How can I get paid at market rates when I have a low salary history?

Question

I am grossly underpaid at my job for the position I hold. I want to find a new job so that I can earn the market rate (which is $20K-$30K more than I currently make). My problem is that companies will not offer me salaries with that big of a jump and they won't even make an offer unless they know my salary history. These companies also check up on things, so I can't just lie about it. How can I get paid market rates in this situation? I'm so frustrated.

Answer 1

Sometimes the only way to get a raise is to get a new job. People aren't expected to leave their current jobs unless they earn at least 10% more to make a move. So, my friend, if you want to start climbing the ladder, be a job-hopper.

Answer 2

Do you have all the necessary training, certifications, or education required by your position? If not, getting them would go a long way toward reaching your goals. Other than that, you could take what jump in salary you can get somewhere else, work there for 6-12 months, then jump to another company for another modest increase and repeat the process until you get caught up.

Answer 3

It would help if you told us what field you were in.

I guess I never let my previous pay history bother me when I asked for a salary. I always knew what the going pay rates were, and I asked for that (plus 2 weeks vacation in that first year).

You might have to get a stepping-stone job. I hate to do that -- feels like you're being dishonest if you're not planning on staying -- but that is the reality if your field is that rigid.