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Ask HN: How do you politely refuse to disclose previous salary information?

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Re: Ask HN: How do you politely refuse to disclose previous salary information?

#31
There's no need to offer a huge explanation straight away. Just say 'oh I'm looking for $X' and smile. Most of the time people don't push it further.

If they ask for more info, just repeat & say 'well I'd like it to be noted that for this position I'd be looking for $x'

It can feel really awkward but remember it's equally awkward for the person asking your salary. Try & keep it light hearted with short answers, you only only have to be slightly more persistent than they are to keep the number secret.

Re: Ask HN: How do you politely refuse to disclose previous salary information?

#32
post #30

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I did one more than that. I lied. I'm not saying that this works all the time or that it's ethical, but sometimes it can result in a significant pay rise.

It's not really any less ethical than trying to strongarm a potential new hire into a salary 10-15k lower than it would have been otherwise, especially when they're likely creating hundreds of thousands in value annually for the company.

I don't think anyone was implying that they are being "more ethical" or "less ethical" than their counterpart in a negotiation. Many people care about behaving ethically, even when dealing with unethical people on the other side of the table.
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