What do you say when a recruiter asks for your current salary?
Asked by Will F
Sometimes during a phone screen (or even when filling out a job application) a recruiter asks you point blank about your current salary. On the one hand, it is good to know if it would be a waste of time for you to apply for the job because it pays a lot less, but on the other hand, you could be giving them information that limits how much they will offer you. So, how do you handle early requests for salary information?

Best Answer:
You need to tell them. I've been interviewing people for 20 years... I need to know if you're going to fit within our comp structure or not. If you're a very good candidate who is outside the bounds I can tell you and let you make your own decision. If you're a minimally qualified candidate, I can make MY own decision. If we're close, you can convince me you're worth going to bat for. This process just keeps me from wasting your time and mine. Anyway, the most you can expect to gain in base salary is 10%-20% on a move unless you're in some specialty profession. Telling me what you current base salary is does not affect the outcome of the interview unless we come to an impass. I've often hired people that were at the top of the pay scale and have seldom been disappointed.
20 years in HR
Answered by Tim B

I would follow suit with form "vagueries". For example, give him/her a range. "I earn between 25 and 30 thousand". Or you could be a smart a$$ and say not enough. Hehe
Answered by PC

Research jobs before you apply and always answer in the 50th to 75th percentile range.
Answered by Chris B

Perhaps give them a range instead of the exact amount. The job I am in now asked me for a salary history. I did give it to them, but I made it in spreadsheet format and each year I got a raise so I calculated the percentage of increase I gained each year and made a little chart to go with it. This made it so that the employer would have to give me an increased amount (more than the normal percent increase I would have gotten anyhow). They wound up giving me alot more than I expected. So I think giving them your salary can help even though it feels like an invasion of privacy.
Answered by daveypa22

On some occassions I tend to leave that space blank. I leave answering that question for an interview....I think like you do...will listing it limit what they are willing to pay me...or vise versa...will listing it make them think they can't afford to hire me.... For me, doing research on the salary rates that are suited for the industry you're entering and the education you have are key. Know in advance, how much your worth in comparison to the job market in your area.
Answered by Blossom_Kitty

Tell them that your current Company policy is that the salary is a secret, but that you would love to discuss the salary they can offer you
Answered by sandrica

say SHUT UP!
Answered by cvhiew8873

I would say that, though my current salary is very close to the fair Market salaries for that kind of job but I really value the opportunity to work with your company. on other hand try to figure the rage to be ready if they insist to get numbers. good luck
Answered by mangaya2

When asked always add $3.00 (per hour) to your current salary or previous employment...when potential employers check your employment references they will never ask what your pay was.
Answered by sadie_oyes

I recently received 6 job offers in the consulting industry. When I was asked this question, I added 15-20% to my current salary, but also emphasized that I was looking for more than salary: Benefits, professional development/growth and educational opportunities were being factored into my decision. Say something like "I want to look at the total compensation package before making any decisions." That way it doesn't look like you are greedy.
Answered by Robin A.