Often times in salary negotiation the question about your salary history will come up. It is not a good idea to discuss your salary history if you can avoid it, as it can give the employer a hand up in negotiation.
It is a bad idea to discuss salary early in the hiring process. However if it comes up, do not get yourself caught in a lie.
My preference when pressed for an answer is as follows:
1) The compensation you earned in the past is for similar work but the total compensation package is not related to the work and company your going to. Your past salary should not factor into your new job.
2) If the employer insists you mention your previous salary, mention with the total value of your salary package. Also, restate that it is not the same company you will be working for, and so your past salary is not related. There are so many factors including lifestyle, vacation, time in lieu of pay and other things that also factor in.
3) When you go in for an interview you should be armed with knowledge of the current market. You should know your level of skill and professionalism and knowing your local job market you should be able to command the price you expect. You need to do your research, and be realistic about whether you are superstar talent or just high performing.
4) Regardless of whether or not you were earning at or below or even above the market average for your career, your past salary is not relevant. You may have had any number of reasons for working below market in the past, but what is important now is that you earn current market rates for the work you do. Your past doesn't explain your worth as a resource to the new employer.
5) If you divulge your salary, restate that you expect to be paid the standard industry rate for the posting, and explain what you do understand about the industry at that time. Most employers will respect you for standing your ground on the matter. Just remember negotiating is not a hostile situation, so remember to be firm in your stance but respectful in your demeanor.
Never lie your interview. The employer has many ways to find out what you really earned in your past, either through asking your for some form of record, or they can confirm it with your previous employer. Just remember, you bring a lot of value, and that is the most important thing you offer to the employer.
It is a bad idea to discuss salary early in the hiring process. However if it comes up, do not get yourself caught in a lie.
My preference when pressed for an answer is as follows:
1) The compensation you earned in the past is for similar work but the total compensation package is not related to the work and company your going to. Your past salary should not factor into your new job.
2) If the employer insists you mention your previous salary, mention with the total value of your salary package. Also, restate that it is not the same company you will be working for, and so your past salary is not related. There are so many factors including lifestyle, vacation, time in lieu of pay and other things that also factor in.
3) When you go in for an interview you should be armed with knowledge of the current market. You should know your level of skill and professionalism and knowing your local job market you should be able to command the price you expect. You need to do your research, and be realistic about whether you are superstar talent or just high performing.
4) Regardless of whether or not you were earning at or below or even above the market average for your career, your past salary is not relevant. You may have had any number of reasons for working below market in the past, but what is important now is that you earn current market rates for the work you do. Your past doesn't explain your worth as a resource to the new employer.
5) If you divulge your salary, restate that you expect to be paid the standard industry rate for the posting, and explain what you do understand about the industry at that time. Most employers will respect you for standing your ground on the matter. Just remember negotiating is not a hostile situation, so remember to be firm in your stance but respectful in your demeanor.
Never lie your interview. The employer has many ways to find out what you really earned in your past, either through asking your for some form of record, or they can confirm it with your previous employer. Just remember, you bring a lot of value, and that is the most important thing you offer to the employer.
About the Author:
Trevor Davide Grant is a project manager in the IT field and has extensive experience in salary negotiation. Trevor has worked for large telecom, power utililties, software consulting, and a prominent web 2.0 site. He has learned how to negotiate a salary in the most powerfulway. Learn great tactics on the topic of negotiating salary at www.HowToNegotiateASalary.com.
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