can a potential employer ask a potential employee how much they make at their present job or past jobs?

Answer 1

Good question. Prospective employers often do, and prospective employees often lie. Sometimes they get found out, and when they do, on occasion they aren't hired.

But mostly it's expected that they will exaggerate. The trick is to do it cleverly. My daughter, who last year was hired away from one financial services company to another at twice the pay, exaggerated her income but attributed it to her bonus, which of course was wishful thinking -- and that's OK, just about. But she was worried that they would check and get mad.

I've known employees whom employers wanted to get rid of who conspired with their employer to raise their pay for the last month, so that they could give the new employer that higher pay. In fact I did that once for a nanny who was reaching the end of her contract with us. It was a sort of bonus as far as I was concerned.

Answer 2

The potential employer can ask... but the potential employee doesn't have to answer. Or, to be more specific, the potential employee doesn't have to answer truthfully.

That may vary from state to state.

I am not condoning lying, but I would say that most people pad their current and past salaries on applications.

I would focus on what you are worth to the prospective employer. It shouldn't matter what you've made in the past -- it's all about what you can offer from this day forward.

Answer 3

yes they can, often on job aps. there will be a question about wages when they ask you to list previous occupations. It could work with you or against you, but bottom line if they ask don't lie; if they attempt to contact a previous employer and are told differently about any information you provided consider the job someone elses. At every job application I have filled out I have been forced to sign the bottom swearing that all info provided is honest.

Answer 4

Yes they can, just like you can ask the potential employer how much the job that you are interviewing for pays.

Answer 5

Yes, this is a standard interview question. And, if phrased like that DO NOT LIE!!! They can check what your salary was through references and prior job experience on your resume when they call to confirm your past employment.

Answer 6

That is the time in your interview where you lie. Just becuase they ask doesnt mean you have to answer 100% Always know the market value for you job and answer a little lower than what you want your pay to be. If asked what salary you desire never say 50K - 60K they will pay the 50k. However, answer the question...the mid to upper 50's.

Answer 7

Yes, they can. This is to see if they can match or top what your present and past employers paid you. This is a good thing!

Good luck, Hon!

Answer 8

that's really the only question they can ask. that and employment dates. that's in california anyways. i just went through a lot of that with the EDD and stuff.

Answer 9

in line with what you have reported they are asserting precisely what you have reported so i do no longer see your argument, it particularly is amazingly criminal to furnish truthful references sturdy or undesirable, asserting which you're no longer eligible for rehire speaks volumes approximately you, you haven't any longer any recourse. by using the way in case you assert you have Crohns you may a minimum of spell it wisely

Answer 10

It's not illegal, if that's what you mean. Most people have their last salary or salary expectations on their resumes before an interview.