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I think it's extremely audacious and inappropriate that employers ask you what you earned at a previous employer.
First off, the job you're applying for or potentially being offered may be different in scope and require different levels of commitment and experience. It's not fair of them to try to gauge what to pay you for their job based on what you were once paid. There are several different factors that must be taken into account for another job as in how much it's going to cost you to commute to a particular place, how much it costs to live in a certain region, how much experience you've added since your last pay increase, etc.
Secondly, I believe it's highly inappropriate that they ask you what you essentially charged another client for your services. Again, going back to the point above, the job you are potentially accepting may be very different from any of the jobs you've done in the past. To me, it would be as inappropriate if one my my company's clients asked us what another client was being charged for a project. It's really none of their business. The job they want done is unique to them and all that should be questioned is how much we are going to charge them for the job.
All an employer should be concerned with is what you wish to charge them for your services to do the job they need you to do. Anything you've done in the past is not applicable. I believe the only reason they ask you this information is to try to get an upper hand on your in the salary negotiation phase. In other words, their mindset is if you made X amount, we are going to offer you X + $2,000. That's bogus.
</Rant off>
That said, how do you address this in on online application that they want you to fill out? In the field, do you put something like TBD instead of an actual figure? What about if you've verbally been offered a position sans salary info, but they want you to fill out a final application in the process that inquires about this? I want to avoid giving any information to them that would allow them to low-ball me.
I think it's extremely audacious and inappropriate that employers ask you what you earned at a previous employer.
First off, the job you're applying for or potentially being offered may be different in scope and require different levels of commitment and experience. It's not fair of them to try to gauge what to pay you for their job based on what you were once paid. There are several different factors that must be taken into account for another job as in how much it's going to cost you to commute to a particular place, how much it costs to live in a certain region, how much experience you've added since your last pay increase, etc.
Secondly, I believe it's highly inappropriate that they ask you what you essentially charged another client for your services. Again, going back to the point above, the job you are potentially accepting may be very different from any of the jobs you've done in the past. To me, it would be as inappropriate if one my my company's clients asked us what another client was being charged for a project. It's really none of their business. The job they want done is unique to them and all that should be questioned is how much we are going to charge them for the job.
All an employer should be concerned with is what you wish to charge them for your services to do the job they need you to do. Anything you've done in the past is not applicable.
</Rant off>
That said, how do you address this in on online application that they want you to fill out? In the field, do you put something like TBD instead of an actual figure? What about if you've verbally been offered a position sans salary info, but they want you to fill out a final application in the process that inquires about this?
your not required to asnwer this. say i respectfully decline to answer that was between myself and my previous employer. id be happy to answer any questions about what value i feel i bring to you and why im worth that money
your not required to asnwer this. say i respectfully decline to answer that was between myself and my previous employer. id be happy to answer any questions about what value i feel i bring to you and why im worth that money
What about in an online form? The field is required. Should I enter in 0 or TBD?
You either want the job or you don't.
If you want to reduce your chances of getting the job, then go ahead and play games with them.
Negotiating a job offer is not "playing games". It's a serious matter in one's life and it makes no sense to show them your hand. If you can't understand this, then you severely lack business savvy. If you own a business, you don't tell your client what kind of margins you're making, do ya?
I'm on your side pal, but we need to be realistic.
I understand how you don't like it and how it doesn't seem fair and it doesn't make sense and it isn't the best way to do things....
but if you don't do what they want, you're shooting yourself in the foot.
Let me ask you this....Are you going to tell them what you made in your last job or not? What if you REALLY wanted the job? Or you really were desperate? Where do you draw the line such that you're willing to not tell them vs not taking a chance and telling them?
If not required in the form, I leave blank. If it is, I try just about everything other than a real value. I've entered 0 or -----. Hasn't stopped me from getting interviews.
I agree. This should not be asked. Too many variables make this irrelevant.
And yes, if you are desperate for the job, it may make you feel better to comply with them. I don't think for most employers, this is a make or break question though.
You either want the job or you don't.
If you want to reduce your chances of getting the job, then go ahead and play games with them.
What he's saying is that getting the job isn't a good thing if you are being low balled for it. I wouldn't leave a job for a new job with same or only a hair more than what I was already making..
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