Posted: 7/16/2011 2:11:53 PM EDT
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Need some job application advice. I know this has been covered before but I can't find anything with a search.
I recently had a phone interview for a job with a different company and location. They requested I complete a job application, which I did. I left the section on the job application blank, where it asks for starting and ending salary for each job for the last 15 years. They sent me an email asking me to complete an bunch of forms including a job applications and they stated "Please make every effort to document your Annual Base Salary for each position previously held." I don't want to give them my current salary because I am way underpaid for my job and industry. What can I put on the application (small blank) to politely say it's none of their business what I make. Also, as long as I'm asking what do I say if I get a follow-up interview and they ask salary history? Thanks |
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I'd just tell them what you would be expecting in salary if you go to work for them and politely tell them you can't divulge your past salary information. You wont get the job, but you'll feel better about not letting them know you are underpaid.  The truth is usually the best way to start a business relationship. |
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Just skip it and move forward.
Maybe they'll make a deal over it, maybe they won't. And if they do, do you really want to work for them? Someone at my work (who just quit) told me she'd been required to give up past salary info to get the job, and as a result she felt that she was underpaid. But I also know she didn't have her clearance when she started, and I don't know if she factored that in. I have no idea if she got more $$$ or just got out of a job she felt was shafting her. |
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they can get your salary info. there is no point in lying.
it is up to you if you say you don't want to tell, but that may not fly so well. selling yourself during the interview will help. they are not likely to try and lowball you. you can always discuss the offer, counter it, or open up for alternate compensation (bonus plans, extra vacation, etc) Then again i have filled out a few dozen of those forms lately, and have only put my last salary - not the full progression for each position. |
| I never minded stating previous salary before, but my last full time job before the one I have now, I was making a lot more money than I do now, and had applied for several jobs making far less, and in a couple of instances I feel that hurt my chances at the job I was applying for. I am sure they were wondering what a guy used to making that kind of money would be doing looking at jobs paying half as much. Of course people with jobs rarely understand that sometimes any job for any pay is better than nothing. |
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First off, I would never lie about the salary, I'm just trying to figure out a way not to tell them. They either want you or they don't. What your past salary is or was makes little difference to them. What, were you going to take the first offer they made you anyway? |
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Quoted: Quoted: I don't want to give them my current salary because I am way underpaid for my job and industry. Obviously you aren't since you accepted it.   ETA: My first job out of college offered me 44k, and raised me up to 53k within 6 months. Since we didn't have a course in college called, "How much every job in every company in every industry pays," I really didn't know what the salaries should look like. A while later I found out guys I graduated with were making 90k. It's possible to accept an offer, and be underpaid. |
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I don't want to give them my current salary because I am way underpaid for my job and industry. Obviously you aren't since you accepted it. Actually I am. I took this job after returning to college at an older age and graduating. I knew I was under paid both for my location and nationwide. But I had just got out of college and any job is better than no job. Now it's time to move on to a different company and location. By the way, I am only one of two people, that do my job in about a 6,000 person location/company. |
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Quoted: Don't try to reason with him. He's playing the old, "you're only worth what a company and you agree that you're worth" angle. It's his way of trying show his E-Penis Merit Badge In Economics. Quoted: Quoted: I don't want to give them my current salary because I am way underpaid for my job and industry. Obviously you aren't since you accepted it. Actually I am. I took this job after returning to college at an older age and graduating. I knew I was under paid both for my location and nationwide. But I had just got out of college and any job is better than no job. Now it's time to move on to a different company and location. By the way, I am only one of two people, that do my job in about a 6,000 person location/company. |
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I recently applied for a job. I did not fill in my previous salary. I was asked my previous salary in the interview. I politely declined to reveal it. I was asked how much I wanted. I said "make me an offer that is commensurate with the position and he responsibility. "
They gave me an offer. |
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I never minded stating previous salary before, but my last full time job before the one I have now, I was making a lot more money than I do now, and had applied for several jobs making far less, and in a couple of instances I feel that hurt my chances at the job I was applying for. I am sure they were wondering what a guy used to making that kind of money would be doing looking at jobs paying half as much. Of course people with jobs rarely understand that sometimes any job for any pay is better than nothing. I will have to disagree, since it seems like the general consensus is it is better to have work and some form of income while you wait for better options, than those who choose not to work since they view that as beneath them. |
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I don't want to give them my current salary because I am way underpaid for my job and industry. How's that work? Jesus christ... 2 of you in one thread Kinda sad, huh? Only two out of dozens understand the basics of personal economics. There is no 'underpaid'. |
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: I don't want to give them my current salary because I am way underpaid for my job and industry. Obviously you aren't since you accepted it. http://../../../../images/smilies/anim_rolleyes.gif ETA: My first job out of college offered me 44k, and raised me up to 53k within 6 months. Since we didn't have a course in college called, "How much every job in every company in every industry pays," I really didn't know what the salaries should look like. A while later I found out guys I graduated with were making 90k. It's possible to accept an offer, and be underpaid. You can always rectify that by getting a job that pays the 'normal' wage. Which our hero OP is doing, bravo. |
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I don't want to give them my current salary because I am way underpaid for my job and industry. How's that work? Jesus christ... 2 of you in one thread Kinda sad, huh? Only two out of dozens understand the basics of personal economics. There is no 'underpaid'. I can't stand the term "underpaid." If you took the job you were "paid." If you were "underpaid" (whatever the fuck that means) you wouldn't have taken the job. If you're comparing your salary to other people's salaries then you might make less than them but, you aren't "underpaid." |
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Quoted: I don't want to give them my current salary because I am way underpaid for my job and industry. What can I put on the application (small blank) to politely say it's none of their business what I make. I say I signed an NDA on my compensation package, and for most of the jobs I have taken, that is true. |
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I don't want to give them my current salary because I am way underpaid for my job and industry. What can I put on the application (small blank) to politely say it's none of their business what I make. I say I signed an NDA on my compensation package, and for most of the jobs I have taken, that is true. Still lying if it isn't true. You won't get the job but you can be truthful by writing; "Personal salary history is a personal matter. If you need to know, you likely cannot afford me."" Be real truthful. "Personal salary history is a personal matter that I do not feel comfortable in disclosing and I also feel merits no bearing on current employment possibilities." |
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: I don't want to give them my current salary because I am way underpaid for my job and industry. What can I put on the application (small blank) to politely say it's none of their business what I make. I say I signed an NDA on my compensation package, and for most of the jobs I have taken, that is true. Still lying if it isn't true Ain't lying if it is true. Only exceptions would be min wage job as kid, and Govt job 25 years ago. |
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I've left that blank every time. They don't care. (at least they never have with me) If you're a good candidate and the one they want, they'll make you an offer. When you talk that during the interview, blow it off with "we'll talk that if you feel I'm the right person for the job, but I think we'll be able to quickly come to an agreement". And never accept the first offer. Last two jobs...first one I got them to give me a bonus ($4k) for signing plus 5 extra vacation days. Second one (one I'm in now) I got them to come up $12k on their original offer. |