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

#1

Post by salarynegging » Mon, Jan 19, 2015, 9:29 PM UTC

In a recent interview, I was asked both how much I made at my last job and what my living costs were. I know not to respond to these things, but this was on a third interview after the interviewer had previously mentioned a couple times that the employees of this company don't care about how much money they get paid.

I ended up revealing both of these things because I felt like I would seem greedy if I didn't. I know this is irrational, but I couldn't think of a clever or polite way to move past the issue.

Does anyone have any advice for handling this type of situation?

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

#2

Post by coreyp_1 » Mon, Jan 19, 2015, 9:34 PM UTC

"I appreciate the question, but I do not feel that my previous salary nor my living expenses impact my ability to perform my duties at this company. Now, what do you feel that this position is worth to this company?"

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

#3

Post by ChicagoDave » Mon, Jan 19, 2015, 9:41 PM UTC

You say, "It's my assumption you have a range of pay you're willing to pay for this position. I'm very interested in working here so this isn't _all_ about the money, but I know what I'm worth and I'd like you to make an offer to see if we're on the same page."

So this assumes:

1. You researched the company, the position, and maybe know other people in the company and roughly what they make. 2. You researched your skillset, your experience, and have a rough idea of what you're worth. 3. You've adjusted for location, whether you're FT or contractor, medical, dental, time off, holidays, any bonus structure, and stock (not options!). 4. You're not making an emotional decision because you're not happy in your current position or unemployed and desperate (HR folk will eat you for lunch).

Be prepared, do your homework, and be confident about your value to the company and be firm about it.

The bottom-line, never give them any salary information. This is like going to a car dealer and saying, "I'll pay whatever you want and take nothing on my trade."

But always always be polite, deferential, and calm.

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

#4

Post by trcollinson » Mon, Jan 19, 2015, 9:59 PM UTC

I've never been asked what my living expenses are. I would have been flustered by that question as well, honestly, since it's not up to a company to try to somehow match my living expenses with their pay (unless you live in Japan as a salaryman, of course. patio11 wrote a very enlightening article about that, well worth a read to see the difference in cultures).

Anyway, to answer the question. I have been asked many times what my salary was at my last company. I often reply with simply what I want and a range I will accept. "I received a number of raises and bonuses but I was at about $x. I will accept a range from you of $x to $x + y-k, depending on your benefits." I find the confidence wins over 9 out of 10 times. Additionally, I always have this conversation very early on. At this point I will ask in an initial conversation if we are on the same salary page, "Your company sounds interesting but because I am a level engineer I want to make sure we are on the same compensation page. I am currently at $x and I am looking for $x - $x + yk to move. What are you looking to pay for someone with my skill set?"

Edit: I see someone really disagrees with certain viewpoints on this question. Would the down-voter like to share why they are down-voting?

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

#5

Post by bbcbasic » Mon, Jan 19, 2015, 10:15 PM UTC

Tell them you earn $300k and have a $3M mortgage, and another offer.

Edit: Seriously though tell them it is none of their business and they should make an offer. If pushed then give them an amount that is at the very top end of your expectation. So if you are happy with $100k and wow for $120k then say you earning $140k and this just about covers your cost of living. If they ask how on earth you need $140k to live tell them that it is "for family reasons" and leave it at that.

If you already have given the number, just tell them you are finishing up an interview this week with another company. Then tell them you had an offer for $X. Then see if they increase their offer.

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

#6

Post by mode80 » Mon, Jan 19, 2015, 10:31 PM UTC

Can I suggest a different approach? Instead of dodging the question, put yourself in a position that you're happy to answer. "My last contract gig paid $100/hr. That's $200k yearly on an annual basis."

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

#7

Post by hga » Mon, Jan 19, 2015, 10:40 PM UTC

Nick Corcodilos of Ask the Headhunter has good things to say about this, along with a lot of other stellar advice: http://www.asktheheadhunter.com/

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

#8

Post by chrisbennet » Mon, Jan 19, 2015, 10:42 PM UTC

"In a recent interview, I was asked both how much I made at my last job and what my living costs were. I know not to respond to these things, but this was on a third interview after the interviewer had previously mentioned a couple times that the employees of this company don't care about how much money they get paid."

Snarky responses:

"Are you trying to determine what is the most you can pay me without me feeling insulted?"

"I hear you bro. I probably feel the same way about money as the company founders. Unless of course, the founders are trying to make as little money as possible."

"That's great to hear. You should be able to pay me more with all the money the other employees didn't want."

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

#9

Post by lou2ser » Mon, Jan 19, 2015, 10:43 PM UTC

At this point in my career I start all head-hunter conversations with "I work 100% remote as a W2 employee (not contractor) with full benefits. I travel 1 - 2 weeks a year, work 40 hours a week, and make $x. If you can meet or beat that let's keep talking, otherwise thanks for your time."

It keeps the conversation short which is nice for both me and the recruiter. And if they have something interesting to say then I know it's worth my time.

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

#10

Post by s0uthPaw88 » Mon, Jan 19, 2015, 10:54 PM UTC

I use one of two responses depending on where in the interview process I am.

1) Early in the interview process I respond with: "I’m sure we’ll find a number that works for both of us, but for now, I want to make sure it’s a good fit."[1]

2) If it is during a final round or they are offering the job, I like to turn the question on the interviewer and ask: "What is the salary range you have in mind for this position?"

1. http://bucks.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/17/on-refusing-to-dis...