Replying to a Salary History
Responding to a request for salary history is often difficult. Your response needs to be honest and accurate, but you do not want to divulge too much information that could hurt you during your interview. Knowing what the position should be paying is important, and you must always do your homework prior to interviewing with a prospective company. Some companies mention a salary range in their job postings, but discovering where you actually fit within this range is often a challenge. Research and preparation are the keys to success.
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Research and Preparation
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If you have done your research about the company and position you are interviewing for you will be in a stronger position during the interview. Some companies reveal their salary range in their job description or posting, but many do not. Conduct research on what the position you are considering pays and also research what your target company has paid in the past. Compare salary ranges for similar positions and companies in the same part of the country to be certain that your information is accurate.
Why Are They Asking?
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One of the major reasons that companies ask for salary information is to eliminate those individuals who may be over-qualified for the position or who are asking for a larger salary than the organization is willing to pay. Another possible explanation is to gain information that can be used during the interview. If a company posts a salary range, they would like to have all qualified candidates fall into that salary band. Discovering this vital information prior to an interview makes certain only qualified applicants are interviewed.
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Salary Ranges
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Your best bet for replying to a salary history request is to supply ranges. Divulge what you earned between certain dollar amounts. You can also give a starting range and then a range that you earned when you left your previous employer. This process should be repeated for all of the positions you have held. Be certain your job history is correct within these ranges and be prepared to discuss them during your interview. You can also mention a starting salary range that you would like to receive at your new organization.
Negotiation
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Be prepared to negotiate your salary during the interview process. Once you reply with a salary range, you may be asked to elaborate on your salary history when speaking with the recruiter. If your salary history has shown a record of steady increases and promotions, you will be in a stronger position than if your salary has been stagnant. You can also discuss benefits, bonuses and other factors that could influence your salary. Be prepared with how much salary you actually need and what salary is the minimum you can accept.
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References
- Job Web: How Do You Handle a Salary History Request?
- 1st-Writer.com: Salary History and Salary Requirements
- Successful Interviewing and Recruitment; Rob Yeung
