Salary Negotiations (employees, 401k, average, interviewing)

[RowingMunkeyCU]

One of the most difficult aspects, in my opinion of interviewing for a job is the salary negotiations. You never want to shortchange yourself, but you don't want to cut yourself out of a job either.

When you're interviewing, a typical question is "What is your current salary?".

Do you answer honestly? Or do you 'bump' your salary up a bit, not to a level that is unreasonable, but to a point that is typically the going rate (if your current salary is below average)?

For example, if you're interviewing for a job, and you're currently making $40k, but other similar positions are making $60k, do you say you're making $57k? Dishonest, yes, but if a company knows your true salary, isn't it reasonable to assume that they'll offer only a meager raise?

[Threestep]

Employers do verify salary or even ask for proof. There is nothing wrong with improving your situation. Lying and being found out will cost you a potential job.

[gold dust]

NEVER tell them your current salary.

Respond back with the question: "What is the range for this position?" Tell them you trust that you will be paid a fair market salary based on your qualifications for the job. Do not lie about your current salary, just simply do not tell them. They are asking you only to see how "cheap" they can get you. Also remember there are other factors to be considered when negotiating a salary - benefits, vacation, flex-time, etc.

That is my .02! (whoops! I just told you what that was worth! lol)

[Prinny]

Not worth lying about it. If they feel you are worth the money, they will pay you the money. Show them you are worth the money. Most places don't increase you pay drastically unless you really can show them what you can offer. Skills that weren't being utilized and you just have to impress the heck out of them. You'll be fine!

[f_m]

You should try to find out what the budgeted range is for the salary. So you might say "before I talk about my current salary, I'd like to find out what is the range currently budgeted for the position." At this point, they have to make a move before you say anything else. You want them to provide some kind of number first.

Also, when changing jobs, this is typically when you can get the largest pay increase, so the idea they will only pay slightly more than what you make really depends on the company and position.

[bibit612]

I usually don't get asked what my current salary is. They know they can easily find that out. What I usually get asked are my salary expectations. That's when I actually tell the truth...I usually expect at least a 10% increase when I move from a job. Of course, other factors go into play...401K matching, my commute, ability to telecommute part time, bonuses and salary increases are a few factors going into play.

[RowingMunkeyCU]

Originally Posted by Threestep

Employers do verify salary or even ask for proof. There is nothing wrong with improving your situation. Lying and being found out will cost you a potential job.

From my experience, salary information isn't something that is available to prospective employers (although I suppose government employees might be the exception). When checking references, most HR departments have a very strict policy regarding information they give out, typically limited to your dates of employment. I've never had an employer ask for proof of income either.

Originally Posted by f_m

You should try to find out what the budgeted range is for the salary. So you might say "before I talk about my current salary, I'd like to find out what is the range currently budgeted for the position." At this point, they have to make a move before you say anything else. You want them to provide some kind of number first.

Also, when changing jobs, this is typically when you can get the largest pay increase, so the idea they will only pay slightly more than what you make really depends on the company and position.

I suppose that's a pretty good way of approaching the question. Also from my experience, most positions don't advertise a salary range, as an added way of low-balling you.

I'm basically coming from the position of having graduated college a couple of years ago, and having to take a less than desirable position because of loans coming due. So basically I started at a low salary (~$37k) for a software developer. My salary has gone up, since I changed jobs once, but it's still nowhere near what it should be (only $41k). At that rate (in about 10 years), I'll be going gray before I'm anywhere near the average, which is entirely not acceptable.

[f_m]

Originally Posted by RowingMunkeyCU

From my experience, salary information isn't something that is available to prospective employers (although I suppose government employees might be the exception). When checking references, most HR departments have a very strict policy regarding information they give out, typically limited to your dates of employment. I've never had an employer ask for proof of income either.

I've seen this happen at least twice. At one previous employer they would confirm the number if someone asked and had the number already and just needed it confirmed. Another place I applied to, and I didn't think this was very good, they faxed the section of the employment application to the previous employer to verify what was written was correct. So from my view this is common practice.

[bella25]

I believe the only information an employer can give out is:

Dates of employment
If you re-hirable or not. And if you're not, they can NOT say the reason
Your pay

This is the way it is in Nevada and I'm pretty sure it's standard every where.

[Dave1215]

A lot of times the salary is a matter of public record if in government or not-for-profit enviornments.

On the other hand, I don't think its their buisness what I made before - that was a different job, different circumstance, different time... the current situation should demand market price which may not be reflective of my previous actual.