If the company you are interviewing with asks how much you are currently making, do you give them the actual number or do you lie and say you’re making more? One of my friends is saying I should lie, but somehow I’m feeling guilty and I haven’t even done it yet.

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I chose to say that I can’t fully understand the comp I would want until after a couple interviews and I know the full scope of the role. Usually after saying this, recruiters will just tell you the comp. I’ve used this strategy and it’s worked every time for me.

likesmart

I use the same script and it works for me as well.

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Don’t lie. At some point you have to submit payslips or a p45 to HR and though it’s unlikely they’ll do the math, it’s not worth the anxiety.

They shouldn’t really be asking this as it’s an opportunity to low ball you. If you fall under a protected characteristics group I’d politely refuse to answer under that basis, if not just be transparent but make it clear in the negotiation stages the level of responsibility of this new job and the hours expected is a lot more significant than your current role.

Also always negotiate with the awareness you may not get a significant pay rise for a few years.

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Depending on the geography it’s illegal to ask (eg NY). In other locations that it’s not illegal it’s part of the game. I think you should focus on “what you’re expecting to make this year”, which is your view (so not a lie), higher than what you made and gives a reference point for negotiation.

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It’s illegal in most states for a recruiter/company to ask you how much you’re making. They can only ask you how much you’re looking to make in this new role. So you don’t have to lie

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Yes it it illegal. Though not sure it's applicable to all states. I’d ask back whether it's a state law if a recruiter ask my current salary. More over, CA and NY has made an employer to disclose min and max salary that they are paying for the current employees in the similar position if a candidate asks the information during salary negotiation interview. My friend used the law and got a big bump. Use it wisely with a good tactic.

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Personally, I would tell the truth, but also make it clear that you don’t want to make a lateral comp move.

likehelpful

This is the best approach IMO.

No I state my expected range for the job I’m applying to is and if they think that’s doable

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“I would love to share my current compensation details later during the process. You can get an idea of my current compensation online. I am aware of the broad range that your role will offer and I’m comfortable with that range. Right now, I only want to stay focused on learning more about the company+role and also showing the team what I can bring to the table. Compensation is certainly an important part of the whole process, but I also want to look at the entire package (money, culture, learning, and growth) before we start talking about $$”

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I wouldn’t tell them at all- is it even legal for them to ask ?

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In many states, it’s illegal for them to even ask that question. I’d just try to avoid it by asking what the salary range is for the role (and tell them that you’d fit well into the “top end”
Or “mid range”) and focus on your desire/interest in the position.

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They can also ask for W-2s if you lie.

funny

W-2s are always out of date. Your current salary could easily be 10% higher than your last W2.

I thought they can’t ask that anymore? When they’ve asked how much I’m looking for, I say well it really depends more on the specifics of the position (will I have direct reports, need to travel, etc) and I’d like to find out more before I give a range, but then I ask if they have a range for the role. And then from there I generally give a range of where I am and where I’m expecting to be based on my understanding of the responsibilities of the role that they explained.

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Under no circumstances do you NEED to share your current comp in ANY stage of the hiring process. Keep asking for more information and if they can’t provide the information, tell them that’s why you’re not able to come up with a salary yet.

If they’re being pushy about it, tell them “hey, it seems like you already have a salary range that you’re working with, why don’t you just share that range with me and I’ll let you know if I’m okay with it.“

Keep demonstrating how you’re the best fit. Companies are always looking to pay MORE for GREAT employees.

uplifting

No one should be asking you how much you currently make, you don’t have to answer that question

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I thought it’s illegal to ask how much you make. Privacy laws

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Only true in some states.

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I've been posed this question before. My best response was that what I made isn't relevant to the job the interviewer would have me do, then go on to explain how the job responsibilities are different. Your salary should reflect what you will be doing and your value to the company you will be working for, not based on what you did for somebody else.

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You should be honest but you also do not have to answer that question. In some states it’s illegal to ask

Do not lie. It may help your negotiations but the company may ask for previous pay stubs after you get hired on. If they do ask for those, you’ll get caught red-handed

I believe this is illegal.

likeuplifting

Everyone is saying don't answer, but how should the question be dodged?

I like to say “I don’t know as the job is one of many income sources and it’s one of the mid tiered incomes so I am not too concerned, just make it worth my while.”

I wouldn't lie, but I also wouldn't tell them. I don't think they can even ask that anymore. I would use one of the responses above to skirt around the question without giving a direct answer. That isn't their business really.

I tend not to lie because it’s easier to tell the truth. But I pause and then preface with its not just the salary, it’s everything that comes along with it — the value of the whole comp package is significantly higher than the base salary.

I say “Not really sure as I don’t pay that much attention because it’s only one of my many income sources. I am only applying because I genuinely enjoy what I do and helps kill time.”

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