Discussing salary history can be a sensitive topic during job interviews. Employers often inquire about past salaries to determine a candidate’s compensation expectations. However, how you navigate this conversation can significantly impact your negotiating power. Here are three best practices to consider when discussing salary history during interviews.
Context: When asked directly about previous salaries, it’s important to be honest while maintaining your worth.
In this scenario, you are interviewing for a mid-level marketing position. The interviewer asks about your previous salary at a previous job, which was $60,000. While you want to be transparent, you also want to ensure your potential salary aligns with the market rates for the new position.
“I appreciate your inquiry about my salary history. In my previous role as a Marketing Specialist, my base salary was \(60,000. However, I am looking for a position that reflects my skills and the current market value, which I’ve researched to be between \)70,000 and $80,000 for similar roles in this area.”
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Context: When you prefer not to disclose your salary history, pivot the conversation towards the value you bring.
Imagine you are interviewing for a senior software engineer position. The interviewer asks about your previous salary, but you feel it is not relevant to the new role. Instead, you want to emphasize your skills and contributions.
“While I understand the importance of salary history, I believe my past experiences and skill set are more indicative of my value in this role. At my last position, I led a project that improved system efficiency by 30%, which directly contributed to a $2 million increase in revenue. I would love to discuss how my expertise can benefit your team and contribute to your goals.”
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Context: When the employer insists on knowing your salary history, leverage your research to negotiate.
In this case, you are in the final interview stages for an executive position. The employer insists on knowing your previous salary, but you’ve done extensive research and are aware of the salary range for similar positions in your industry.
“I appreciate your interest in my salary history, and I want to provide a clear and fair expectation for both of us. My last salary was \(120,000, but based on my research and the responsibilities of this executive role, I believe a salary in the range of \)130,000 to $150,000 would be more appropriate given the scope and impact of the work.”
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