and if so, what would u say when the question of how much money you made in your previous job comes up. i hate this question and learned by reading a book "How To Say It At Work" that it is not mandatory that you answer this question. by answering the question you can either lowball or price yourself out of the job. so you're really at a disadvantage to answer this question.
employers already have a pay range in mind when interviewing you. of course they want to pay at the lowest in the range if possible. in the book it says it is a perfectly acceptable answer to say "what is the pay range for this job?" "i'd like to think my past experience and what i can offer at this job/company is what my pay should be based on, not what i made before".
i guess if the company liked you they would accept it. if they they didn't they might use that as an excuse. either way i don't think it would be a deal breaker if you chose not to answer their question. what are your thoughts on this?
2007-09-26 06:45:38 · 6 answers · asked by itsjustme 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Administrative and Office Support
I think the books advice is good. If you are applying for a job that isn't related to your previous job, you can use that. "Since this job and my previous job are different, I don't think you can compare the salaries because it would be like comparing apples to oranges" Or something like that. If they ask again, you should tell them because if they researched enough, they could find out. But definitly stress that it isn't an issue and that you would hope that what you were paid previously wouldnt effect any type of salary negotiations for this position.
2007-09-26 06:51:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, most of the big companies nowadays have a pay range that is being applied to new hires but the bottom line is that employers are usually flexible especially if they find the applicant very qualified for the post and would be a great asset to the company.
Previous salaries are used as basis in determining the potentials of a new hire. If you were previously receiving:
1. a minimum wage - then was it because your tenure was less than a year or short stint only. Was your previous employer small or local business only? You can always justify in your application why your salary was this much only.
2. above minimum - then good for you because it reflects that you were highly valued by your previous employer
Do not get intimidated by the question. Previous salary is often included in the discussion because it would be vital during job offer.
2007-09-29 03:35:29 · answer #2 · answered by addicted too 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sure you can dodge any of their quesitons. Of course, they also have the freedom not to hire you.
If a company is looking to "lowball" me I'm pretty certain that the future with them will not be particularly beneficial so I would just as soon lay the truth on the line to see wht kind of company that they are.
Any empolyer that has any clue know that oftentimes a person will look for a new job precisely because they were not take care of on the previous job.
I hope that this helps.
2007-09-26 13:59:16 · answer #3 · answered by RunningUte 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe dodging this question is fine. I would. I think one time in an interview I was asked what I was looking for in pay... and I turned around and asked "what does this position offer?"
Personally, i don't think it matters what I was getting paid at some other company (what if they paid terribly?!)... there's obviously a reason why i'm in their office on an interview, right!? whether it be a new career, more money, or closer to home...
Hope this helps.
2007-09-27 14:37:39 · answer #4 · answered by stephanie_hamett 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would recommend you give them the figures they want. If their hiring process is based on lowest bidder you probably don't want to be there anyway. But!
I would tell them "I started at $25,000 a year and I am currently making $35,000 after only 2 years." You want to show that you improved your value to the employer And!
I would also add "Financial compensation is not my sole driving force. I look for a great working environment, advancement opportunities and a chance to feel like a true contributing member of a successful team."
ALWAYS remember that the interview works both ways. It is their chance to get to know you and see if you would be a good addition and your chance to decide if this is the place you want to be.
2007-09-26 15:17:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not as much as I was worth.
2007-09-26 18:43:56 · answer #6 · answered by Pengy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋