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“What’s your current salary?” is a trap question–Here's how to answer it

fearlesssalarynegotiation.com

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Re: “What’s your current salary?” is a trap question–Here's how to answer it

#11

Post by Terretta »

JoshDoody wrote: post #3
ThaiWood wrote: post #2

I've seen a lot of people including recruiters talk about how this is a terrible idea. But then I see this and folks like patio11 talking about similar negotiating strategies. How do I know which one is right?

How you decide what's right for you is a personal decision. But when it comes to salary negotiation, you can be sure the company is very much working to do what's right for itself and its shareholders, and I think you should similarly be just as focused on doing what's right for you. Negotiating your salary is better for you. Disclosing your current salary or desired salary when asked is worse for you and better for…

Also note that:

"Asking for Salary History Could Soon Be Illegal in All 50 States"

http://www.payscale.com/career-news/2016/09/asking-salary-hi...

Re: “What’s your current salary?” is a trap question–Here's how to answer it

#12

Post by ilaksh »

As I get older I (hope) I am slowly starting to understand how the world works, and that is gradually changing some of my interactions from being nice and considerate and open and honest, to being careful and calculated. Although I still have a long way to go. I guess oftentimes I am open and nice at first meeting people still and then realize I have to be more calculating. Which by that time I probably have already given myself a disadvantage. I am almost 40 now so hopefully I will finally get this ?character flaw? ironed out pretty soon.

When it comes to money, people look out for themselves. And unless you are independently wealthy and maxed out your penchant for philanthropy, then you probably have to do so also.

BTW this is a terrific article.

Re: “What’s your current salary?” is a trap question–Here's how to answer it

#13

Post by JoshDoody »

ilaksh wrote: post #12

As I get older I (hope) I am slowly starting to understand how the world works, and that is gradually changing some of my interactions from being nice and considerate and open and honest, to being careful and calculated. Although I still have a long way to go. I guess oftentimes I am open and nice at first meeting people still and then realize I have to be more calculating. Which by that time I probably have already…

My whole philosophy is to be nice/considerate AND careful/calculated.

In a nutshell, I see salary negotiation and interviewing as a collaboration, not a competition. Working to get a good result for everyone involved is the best way to approach it.

Glad to hear you're looking out for yourself - you're always going to be your own best advocate!

Thanks for the kind words!

Re: “What’s your current salary?” is a trap question–Here's how to answer it

#14

Post by JoshDoody »

Terretta wrote: post #11
JoshDoody wrote: post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

How you decide what's right for you is a personal decision. But when it comes to salary negotiation, you can be sure the company is very much working to do what's right for itself and its shareholders, and I think you should similarly be just as focused on doing what's right for you. Negotiating your salary is better for you. Disclosing your current salary or desired salary when asked is worse for you and better for…

Also note that: "Asking for Salary History Could Soon Be Illegal in All 50 States" http://www.payscale.com/career-news/2016/09/asking-salary-hi...

Good note - I've seen this sort of legislation getting a lot of traction lately. I'm not sure how it affects asking for "desired salary" or "salary requirements", so that's something else to look out for.

Thanks for sharing!

Re: “What’s your current salary?” is a trap question–Here's how to answer it

#15

Post by koolba »

ThaiWood wrote: post #2

I've seen a lot of people including recruiters talk about how this is a terrible idea. But then I see this and folks like patio11 talking about similar negotiating strategies. How do I know which one is right?

It's pretty easy to see which is correct. It's a game of imperfect information. There's zero reason to show your hand to the other player as it just backs you into a corner.

The only rationale for giving out any information is to not waste your time but I'd argue it should go in the other direction. Make them say what the salary range is. If it's out of line, then bid them good day. If they don't want to provide it till the end of the interview / offer, then you decide if it's worth your time to deal with them. Clearly they're willing to take the risk of being blown off at the end.

Re: “What’s your current salary?” is a trap question–Here's how to answer it

#16

Post by aeturnum »

>They ask you to guess what that budget is, and you decline to guess because you read this article[.] So you move on to the next stage of the interview and do well.

In my experience, when I decline to state my current or desired salary, that's the end of the interview process.

Re: “What’s your current salary?” is a trap question–Here's how to answer it

#17

Post by xiphias »

ThaiWood wrote: post #2

I've seen a lot of people including recruiters talk about how this is a terrible idea. But then I see this and folks like patio11 talking about similar negotiating strategies. How do I know which one is right?

Do A/B testing. One thing that's good for sure: apply for multiple companies. The biggest mistake/time waste I made with companies was when I tried just 1 company at a time and hoped that that company would appreciate it. They don't.
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