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 pressed to disclose the previous salary, as is mentioned by other respondents, mention with the total value of your compensation package. Also, re-iterate that it is not the same company, and so your previous salary is not terribly pertinent. There are so many factors including work life balance, benefits, holidays, paid overtime, etc,etc, that factor in.
3) You have to know where you stand in terms of the market. Know the going salary range for the job you are in and the skill level and experience you have for your region. You should know what level you can ask for and expect to get by doing your research.
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 tell a lie to your prospective employer. Just be aware that they have ways of knowing or discovering the truth that you don't have control over. The most important thing is to communicate honestly the value you can bring to the employer and impress them with that.
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 pressed to disclose the previous salary, as is mentioned by other respondents, mention with the total value of your compensation package. Also, re-iterate that it is not the same company, and so your previous salary is not terribly pertinent. There are so many factors including work life balance, benefits, holidays, paid overtime, etc,etc, that factor in.
3) You have to know where you stand in terms of the market. Know the going salary range for the job you are in and the skill level and experience you have for your region. You should know what level you can ask for and expect to get by doing your research.
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 tell a lie to your prospective employer. Just be aware that they have ways of knowing or discovering the truth that you don't have control over. The most important thing is to communicate honestly the value you can bring to the employer and impress them with that.
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 global telecom, power utililties, software development consulting, and a prominent web 2.0 site. He has learned how to negotiate a salary in the most powerfulway. Learn great tips on the topic of salary negotiating at www.HowToNegotiateASalary.com.
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