Job Application - "Salary Requirements"

[TerriP]

I'm considering applying for a new job and the posting I'm looking at asks for "salary requirements" to be included with the resume. What, exactly, are they looking for? Do I tell them what I make now? How do I word it?

This is a new one for me so, if this is a dumb question, sorry.

 

[Christine]

Do not tell them what you make now. No one has a right to that information. Just put an amount on there that YOU want for this job.

 

[Bob Slydell]

If at all possible, avoid the question. Put something like "compensation to be appropriate with my level of skills and responsibility"

If they ask for prior salary levels, you need to be honest about that.

 

[Christine]

If they ask for prior salary levels, you need to be honest about that.

Is this really true? I haven't interviewed in a LONG time, but I remember being coached that I never had to tell my prior salaries. Has that changed?

 

[Aimeedyan]

I never answer it but instead avoid the question. I know in lots of places salary is set already so I don't want to lose a job just because I'm way off the mark. I'd rather just be told what they are planning to pay and make my decision then.

And I never give out what I'm currently making.

 

[vettechick99]

Is this really true? I haven't interviewed in a LONG time, but I remember being coached that I never had to tell my prior salaries. Has that changed?

Well it sure doesn't stop them from asking you! I'll admit that I fudged my numbers when my current employer asked. Just because you were underpaid in your last job doesn't mean they have the right to take advantage too. If you are worth the money and they want you bad enough, they'll pay.

 

[alliecats]

I agree with Christine & Vettechick99. What you make now at a particular job with its particular responsibilities, perks, and benefits has nothing to do with what you are worth at this new job with its responsibilities, perks, and benefits--so if they ask for a history I would try to keep that confidential.

As for requirements, I would either say "My salary requirements are negotiable based on the job requirements and benefits package" or name a range a little higher than what you would be willing to accept. The drawback to this is if you name a number a lot lower than what they are thinking, they may think you are not ready to play in that league. Or you may price yourself out of their budget.

That said, I was recently asked for my salary history. I said I considered that to be confidential between myself and my past and current employers, but I gave them my range. I didn't hear back from them for a month, then they called and wanted to interview me, etc. I wasn't really that invested in whether they called me back or not, so I felt free to just be direct. Just be sure to weigh how much you want/need the job before you answer.

Good luck.

 

[Bob Slydell]

Is this really true? I haven't interviewed in a LONG time, but I remember being coached that I never had to tell my prior salaries. Has that changed?

I suppose you could tell them you'd prefer not to give out that information, but they can, and will, find out. It was on all the applications I filled out recently and I know a former co-worker who lied about past salary levels in applying for a job (in hopes of getting a higher salary at the new job). They found out his lie (simply by calling HR of one of the employers and asking verification) and he lost the job.

 

[Maleficent13]

I once had a company reduce their starting offer to me by $25,000 after they found out what I made at a previous job. When I called them on it, they said: "Well, if you only make $$ now, you're obviously not ready to make $$$". Which is $%*^(*^&.

So now I only tell them what I'm looking for, not what I make.

 

[alliecats]

I suppose you could tell them you'd prefer not to give out that information, but they can, and will, find out. It was on all the applications I filled out recently and I know a former co-worker who lied about past salary levels in applying for a job (in hopes of getting a higher salary at the new job). They found out his lie (simply by calling HR of one of the employers and asking verification) and he lost the job.

True, if they do check they can find out you lied. But if you just state you'd prefer not to tell, by the time they check it will be because they are hiring you already. I don't know many HR people that would bother to check the past salary of an applicant who wasn't a lock for the job. That would be a lot of wasted effort.

 

[Christine]

I suppose you could tell them you'd prefer not to give out that information, but they can, and will, find out. It was on all the applications I filled out recently and I know a former co-worker who lied about past salary levels in applying for a job (in hopes of getting a higher salary at the new job). They found out his lie (simply by calling HR of one of the employers and asking verification) and he lost the job.

Oh, is there nothing sacred anymore!!!

 

[Bob Slydell]

True, if they do check they can find out you lied. But if you just state you'd prefer not to tell, by the time they check it will be because they are hiring you already. I don't know many HR people that would bother to check the past salary of an applicant who wasn't a lock for the job. That would be a lot of wasted effort.

I'm finding that HR is doing much more extensive background checks than they used to. With previous jobs, nobody called any of my references and the background check was quickly done. With my recent job search, I got three offers, and with each one, they did a thorough (5-7 day) background check, drug screen, called at least one or two of my references, the whole nine yards, before they would even officially make me an offer.

There's not much they won't check these days -- and since in most cases, there's not a shortage of candidates looking for jobs, they can afford to be choosy.

 

[snoopy]

We require salary history, which we verify.

I agree with the others, I'd try to avoid answering that question, at least in the early stages of the interview process. If hard pressed, I would give them a ballpark figure about 10% higher than what you expect. They may try and negotiate, but you never know, you could get lucky and they might accept!

 

[vettechick99]

With my recent job search, I got three offers, and with each one, they did a thorough (5-7 day) background check, drug screen, called at least one or two of my references, the whole nine yards, before they would even officially make me an offer.

You must not have interviewed with the State!

 

[alliecats]

I'm finding that HR is doing much more extensive background checks than they used to. With previous jobs, nobody called any of my references and the background check was quickly done. With my recent job search, I got three offers, and with each one, they did a thorough (5-7 day) background check, drug screen, called at least one or two of my references, the whole nine yards, before they would even officially make me an offer.

There's not much they won't check these days -- and since in most cases, there's not a shortage of candidates looking for jobs, they can afford to be choosy.

Oh, absolutely. Perhaps I wasn't clear, I wasn't denying that they would do this, I was saying something else altogether:

I was just saying, If you don't lie, just refuse to tell, what are they going to bust you for whe they do that check? Nothing. You ask for the number you want. If they feel you are worth it, they will pay it. Then they may very well check you out to see your history. And if they offered you more than you were getting before, so what? They offered you what they thought you were worth, after interviewing you most likely more than once. The reason they are doing the background check is that they have already offered you the job, or are about to. My point was, by the time they do the background check, you are either the top candidate or one of maybe two. If the person didn't lie, just refused to disclose, then there is absolutely nothing to worry about with the background check.

ETA: Just reread my earlier post--I'd said they wouldn't bother to check the past history of an applicant who "wasn't a lock for the job" meaning, they are not going to waste time and money background checking the 15 other people they considered who were not a right fit. Of course they will check out the people who ARE going to be hired.

 

[Bob Slydell]

You must not have interviewed with the State!

One of the job offers was actually with a county agency, funded by the state. That background check (including a physical) was actually about a 3 week process, but part of that time was spent waiting for a board of directors meeting to get the job approved by the board.

 

[TerriP]

If at all possible, avoid the question. Put something like "compensation to be appropriate with my level of skills and responsibility"

I think I'm going to go with this. If they want a specific number I'll tell them I'd like to make what I'm making now, but I'm not going to ask for a lot more. I think I make very good money for what I do and that is not the reason I'd like to leave my job, so asking for more rings hollow for me.

My thanks to everyone who offered advice.

 

[JVL1018]

Is this really true? I haven't interviewed in a LONG time, but I remember being coached that I never had to tell my prior salaries. Has that changed?

My husband is on the job hunt now, he has a good job, but wants more money and to move up the ladder.
He always says how much he's making because they always ask.
What are you supposed to say? I'm not telling you?

As for salary requirements he usually knows what they are willing to pay beforehand(he gets headhunted and the recruiters tell him), if not then he wries down that it's up for discussion-he needs to know exactly what the job entails first and will discuss it during the interview.

 

[twinklebug]

It's along the same lines as references. I give out neither my current salary nor my references until the company demonstrates that it's truly interested in me. I would say the same goes for SSN, however most companies have not modified their databases so that SSN is not the primary key... but that's a different gripe.

When asked in a face-to-face interview for current salary be honest. Also take the moment to explain that you are looking for $X and the reasons for asking. My DH doubled his salary this way. At first the company didn't want to pay up, but decided that for the job he'd be doing, and being the best applicant for the job, he was well worth it.

 

[JudicialTyranny]

I'm considering applying for a new job and the posting I'm looking at asks for "salary requirements" to be included with the resume. What, exactly, are they looking for? Do I tell them what I make now? How do I word it?

Just put this:

Salary Requirements: Yes, salary is required.