When asked about my current salary on an job application or interview, should I lie or tell them I don't wish to share that information.

51 Comments

1. Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachDecember 23,2021 at 6:39PM UTC

   "I prefer not to share my current compensation (you could add 'it isn't relevant' or 'it is personal data') However, I can share that based on my experience and my research in the field, I am seeking a salary in the range of x to y. Does that overlap with the range you have budgeted?"

2. AnonymousDecember 23,2021 at 7:29PM UTC

   Thanks for sharing! Again, that shows that we really don't know the extent to which we're being undervalued, compared to males. Once I was considering a position which I was told the pay range was between 100-120K, but they were still considering me after I said I was looking for at least 150K + full MBA reimbursement (about 80K). I ended up not going through with the processed because it'd require me to move 2 hours away. That's when I woke up from my imposter syndrome and realized I am much more valuable than I'm giving myself credit for. But now I wonder how much they were really willing to pay.

3. Lelo BaleniDecember 23,2021 at 8:53PM UTC

   Better tell the truth

   Someone companies will go as far as asking for your current pay slip.

   I'd advise you tell truth and be honest about how much you want

4. AnonymousDecember 25,2021 at 3:22PM UTC

   A current pay stub to determine your new salary? I’m calling BS on this one.

5. Monica Lynn SadlerDecember 23,2021 at 9:08PM UTC

   Only once was I asked what my current salary was. I looked directly at the interviewer, smiled, and said, "I don't think that information is relevant". It forced them to make the next move. I was then asked how much I was looking for. It's really none of their business how much you're making currently. And honestly, I would never submit pay stubs to someone who asked. But that's me. You have to decide if you really want the job and ascertain your move based on how the interview is going. Praying things go well for you.

6. AnonymousDecember 24,2021 at 2:23AM UTC

   Negotiate always - never say the first number- you may now say something like -thanks glad you mentioned this, please tell me about the salary range for this position . Then you can mention prior was in that range, a bit more than or thanks, this helps me confirm we’re looking at this the same.. if their range is too low ask if they plan to start this position in the high range? Prior pay is not part of a good interview- - this has always been helpful, car purchase or job. All the best!

7. Kathleen Norton-SchockDecember 25,2021 at 1:33PM UTC

   You might also ask them if they are using cloud-based nationwide data-oriented salary comparison tools...like https://www.salary.com or https://www.comparably.com? By asking, you can indicate that (being savvy) you are, and you have an idea of the salary boundaries for the role for which you are applying.

8. Stephanie Mansueto, Corporate Recruiter & Job Hunting CoachDecember 24,2021 at 6:50AM UTC

   Put "negotiable" or leave it blank or if it requires a number put 0. You do not need to share that information. Here's a list of cities and states where it's illegal to ask for current or historical salary info: https://www.hrdive.com/news/salary-history-ban-states-list/516662/

   Never throw out the first number. Ask for a salary range or budget for the position. The only time I would give any hint to your current salary is in the event they give you a salary range for the position and your current or desired salary is towards the high end of the range. In that case I would say something like "I'm currently earning X and I really am not considering any opportunities less than X". That way they have a better idea of how to approach negotiations with you and know you're certainly not going to consider an offer less than what you're currently earning.

9. Rosa E HearnDecember 25,2021 at 1:42PM UTC

   This is how I solve this.

   "It is my understanding that the pay range is this" "is that not correct?" "I am looking for this"

10. Bonnie DilberDecember 25,2021 at 1:52PM UTC

    You shouldn't be asked what your current salary is, it's illegal in some states and not a good or fair practice anywhere.

    That said, as a recruiter, I'll be honest that we don't really ask in order to low ball candidates (or at least we haven't anywhere we've worked). We do it so we can try to put together an offer that will be accepted without negotiating and ensure we're only moving candidates forward who are likely accept the offer.

    If asked, I'd say, "I have some flexibility with my salary so my current salary isn't relevant. What's the range for this role? "

11. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netDecember 25,2021 at 11:41PM UTC

    I agree with most of this. As a recruiter, we will not present you on any job that is not within your range. We will tell you what the company is paying and you can make that decision. If you choose to say this last sentence, i would omit the words "my salary isn't relevant." It sounds combative.

12. Dina AbercrombieDecember 25,2021 at 1:54PM UTC

    I would be honest about the salary you are looking for. You can also ask about the range but you are no longer obligated to share your current salary. In fact, they shouldn’t even ask that question any more.

13. TaliaDecember 25,2021 at 2:16PM UTC

    You can turn the conversation to discuss your expectations of the salary in the new role. The past is the past and salary could be the reason you’re out looking.

14. Juli RooksDecember 25,2021 at 2:51PM UTC

    I do not provide my salary history. I provide a salary range of what I am willing to accept for the position. Sites such as Glassdoor and Salary.com can be used as a guide to determine how much a company pays for a particular position.

15. AnonymousDecember 25,2021 at 2:53PM UTC

    Never discuss your salary while interviewing. It should only come at the end of the process, if both sides are interested. Like others said, the interviewer shouldn’t even be asking about salary at this point. That’s something HR will handle when the time comes.

16. AnonymousDecember 25,2021 at 3:19PM UTC

    Totally disagree. I don’t want to waste my time, or the prospective employer’s time, if we’re not in the same ballpark on salary. There are constructive ways to have this conversation early in the interview process and everyone on this board should be doing proactive research on salary ranges by title band with sites like Glassdoor and others.

17. M CDDecember 25,2021 at 3:58PM UTC

    I disagree as well. Recruiters typically ask salary expectations up front during the initial screening so it helps to be prepared so you aren't caught off guard or feel like you're just making a random # up. Also, depending on your location, it's actually against the law to ask about current salary or salary history, that's why most companies/recruiters have changed the question to, "what is your salary expectation." Like others have said, do your research, understand comps for the job in your industry and also geographic location, that way you can go into phone screens and interviews with that info in your back pocket, especially if they won't tell you a range (which a lot of times they won't tell you). I agree with Theresa also, give a wide (but realistic) spread and that way there is some buffer/wiggle room if they don't come in exactly where you wanted and leaves some room for counters/negotiating.

    Also, you're under no obligation whatsoever to tell them the *exact* dollar amount you're seeking. Especially if you know you're currently underpaid, absolutely give a realistic range that is in line with what you should be making for the role, experience, industry, geography, etc.

    Good luck!

18. AnonymousDecember 25,2021 at 11:07PM UTC

    Yup- definitely do proactive research (note my response did not exclude this important step). In my experiences, the recruiter tells me about the salary range when presenting the opportunity, so I don’t really worry about asking the interviewing company so much. Also in my field the FMV is very well established. Never seen a role that didn’t fall within accepted and well established industry standards, but maybe that’s unique to my industry.

19. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netDecember 25,2021 at 11:31PM UTC

    I agree. You need to know what this job is offering--not what sites say it should be offering or worth.

20. AnonymousDecember 25,2021 at 2:55PM UTC

    We ask salary expectations for candidates applying — then assume that’s what they want for our role and base our initial offer on that (if it aligns with the comps we survey). I was surprised to learn this on the other side of things because I’m like you too and tend to be conservative and honest in these scenarios. I feel like some candidates could probably get more, so I’d use this time to strategically decide what you want! Good luck!

21. Theresa McAllisterDecember 25,2021 at 3:15PM UTC

    If you have done salary research for the position, then you have a pretty good idea of the salary range. If they ask for your last salary, tell them the minimum salary that you are expecting or give them a salary range. They will probably not ask for your last salary. I have just landed a job and did quite a lot of interviews in the last six months. No one asked for my salary at any of my previous jobs. They did ask for my salary expectations. I always countered with asking them for the salary range for the position. I then either agreed or let them know that their range was too low for me. I had one company that did not give out salary range information. So I gave them a range with a pretty wide spread. It turns out, that is the company that hired me and they gave me more than the top of my expected salary range.

    I hope all goes well for you!

22. AnonymousDecember 25,2021 at 3:53PM UTC

    I err on the side of caution and don’t disclose my current salary. I don’t want a company to feel like my current salary (especially if low) is what I’m worth. I know my value and I know what I’m worth. If they press me for my current salary I simply say I’m not disclosing exact figures but I can say that it’s in line with my current salary expectations and in your salary range. (Provided you know it of course, I don’t apply for anything if there isn’t a salary range listed)

    My current company hit me out of left field with asking me in my interview what was my salary requirements for my the role accepted. They literally in the interview to name my price. So I shot about 10k a year higher than what I wanted and they said no problem we can be there. I thought there was going to be hard ball negotiations and I would ultimately accept the number where I wanted to be at. My advice is make sure to believe in yourself, your worth and bring a realistic but higher salary requirement to the table and expect some negotiations.

23. Marina Z.December 25,2021 at 4:17PM UTC

    You are not obligated to reveal that and in some states it is actually not legal to ask. If you think you are being underpaid and reveal it, I believe this perpetuates being underpaid. Say that is information you only share with your accountant? I saw this suggested and if it feels right, it is a humorous way to answer. Or, say I’d like to understand better what the job requirements and responsibilities are and hope to be paid fairly in return. You could offer your highest dream number and who knows..maybe they match, hit the mark or go higher. Also, how would they verify that number? Your employer should not be revealing that information at all.

24. Stephanie Mansueto, Corporate Recruiter & Job Hunting CoachDecember 25,2021 at 4:38PM UTC

    Thank you for providing the correct link. I missed the space between the end of the URL and the “never”.

25. Lisa MarieDecember 25,2021 at 5:04PM UTC

    Simply enter $1. It is none of *the admins* of a prospective employer's business how much your earn right now.

    Only a select few people *need* have access that info, and more often than not, those who are privy to au h info are not the ones screening applications.

26. Carol Demlow BryckDecember 25,2021 at 5:21PM UTC

    The Oregon Pay Equity Act prohibits asking current salary for just that reason. We are allowed to ask desired salary.

    Obviously, not all states have specific legislation to address that. When I started my current position years ago that question was allowed and they made me an offer I was fine with. Two months later my boss told me they had started me below the minimum range for the position and I got a $7k a year raise.

27. Shelby CDecember 25,2021 at 7:29PM UTC

    I always say one of the following depending upon the situation and mood of the interview:

    • "For a position of this responsibility, with my strengths, expertise, and education, I think that it would be fair to pay _____"
    • "That is information that I only share with my CPA, Dollar, who is appropriately named." Sidebar, my boss just hired him to do his personal taxes. ;)
    • "What is the pay range for the position?"
    • "What is the high end you have budgeted?"

    I always add 10 or 20% if I ask, so if they come back and accept it immediately I don't feel like an idiot for devaluing myself. On the other hand, if they say I am looking for more than what they are willing to pay, I tell them that I value things more than monetary compensation. You need to know what you are willing to take; be prepared to ask for value-added benefits that are non-traditional, but worth money; and a list of reasons the reaffirm them that you won't jump ship when you get an offer for 20% more next week.

28. Hilary OborghayujieDecember 25,2021 at 8:33PM UTC

    Is not proper to disclosed your salary, you can give a range of your annual salary.

29. AnonymousDecember 25,2021 at 10:23PM UTC

    You should not disclose your current employers financial information, which includes what they pay you. Ever. An interviewer should know that, and may very well be testing you. To refuse to provide personal information demonstrates that you can be trusted.

30. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netDecember 25,2021 at 11:25PM UTC

    In some states, it is illegal to ask current salary or salary history. I would google this to see if you are living in one of those states. If you were working through a recruiter, you would only be presented on jobs that offer a salary range appropriate to what you are hoping for. Unfortunately, on your own, you run into this because you have no idea up front what the job is offering.

31. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netDecember 25,2021 at 11:54PM UTC

    So interesting. I believe that Atlanta is referring to city of Atlanta gov applications. I will have to look into that but reading it, that is what it appears. I personally believe it is what the job is offering but for many years, companies look at what the candidate is earning. This new mandate would make our lives easier. I knew it was in many states but had not reached Georgia.

32. Stephanie F, MSHRMDecember 26,2021 at 12:41AM UTC

    I actually just came across this article about that. It also has the link to see the states where it is illegal for them to ask:

    https://fairygodboss.com/articles/the-1-time-its-actually-okay-to-lie-about-your-salary?utm_source=email-transactions&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=community-missed-notification

33. Peg BittnerDecember 26,2021 at 2:54AM UTC

    I have always believed that revealing my salary causes problems for everyone regardless if it is during an inerview or just chatter at luchtime. During an interview it is a double edge knife. Either when you tell the truth you will give an amount that is higher than they are willing to pay or it wil be much lower and you will short change yourself. Never lie, If you lie then, they will never trust you on anything, especially trade secretes. Best play tell the truth and just not give the exact fiqure. They should offer a pay level before you even apply.

34. C HDecember 26,2021 at 4:59AM UTC

    Just put "NA" on any job application asking for your salary. It is not relevant to any future role. Also in some states it's illegal to ask for your current salary, as it has been shown to create bias and pay inequity, particularly for women. If a company asks you for your current salary, simply say very calmly "I don't see how that's relevant to this situation. Would you like to share the range for this role?" Perfectly acceptable.

35. TkDecember 26,2021 at 1:18PM UTC

    If you want the job...tell them. And negotiate for your value not based on what you made before. IF they don't respect your value...don't except the job! You can say "No Thank You"

36. Gretchen SkalkaDecember 26,2021 at 1:48PM UTC

    I think the general consensus is correct that this is not a point of relevant conversation you need to have.

    There are so many things that factor into salary and that vary from company to company - it's just not a valid place to start any discussion.

37. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistDecember 26,2021 at 3:59PM UTC

    YOU SAID:

    "maybe counter with "what is the range for this position?" but that can also be uncomfortable and potentially weight against me during the process? "

    Why, specifically, is it uncomfortable for you to ask what the salary range for a position is? I've been a recruiter for many years and I can't imagine why asking that would/could be held against you in any way.

    It's just another question to ask about the position to determine your interest. I ask all my candidates about comp on our first call. I don't ask them what they're making or have made, I ask them what they're looking for.

38. KimDecember 26,2021 at 7:18PM UTC

    I was asked what salary I was looking for during the first round of telephone interviews last week.

    I went blank.

    I have been out of my profession for 28 years and the salary I was earning in 1993 is not paying near the amount I was earning then.

    My answer was, “I am looking for a fair wage for this position in this location. I don’t know the number at the moment, but I am certain that the company will be fair.”

    Thankfully, I was given a second telephone interview with the same screener the following day. I had found the current salary range for the position and answered with the middle number - not the lowest and not the highest. Her immediate response was “We can do that.”

    I know that if I receive an offer that there are many other things regarding salary that can be discussed such as continuing education reimbursement, travel points, perhaps a company vehicle, relocation reimbursement, housing, etc.

    How did I do?

    What suggestions might you offer for the next interview?

    Thank you in advance

39. Christy K. HanthornDecember 26,2021 at 6:19PM UTC

    I'm not honestly sure if they have a way to verify. Someone here who has HR experience might be able to confirm. I wouldn't make up a number. I'd leave it blank before I'd lie.

40. Tory McClymondsDecember 26,2021 at 10:07PM UTC

    The interview is more of a connotation than a denotation of what is provided. They will give you the job as long as you make them "feel" good

    It is illegal (denotation) to ask someone's previous salary in a job interview.

    I would try to avoid answering the question. Island hop to another e.g. "I was very interested in (news article about the company) can you give me more detail on how this will a part once I am given the role?"

    However, most interviewers have *cough* either been with the company too long (and have no clue how an interview goes *smh*) or are newly hired.

    “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

41. JesDecember 26,2021 at 11:22PM UTC

    I'm sure others have already said this but asking salary history is now illegal in some states/cities (for mine, it's only illegal for gov't jobs sadly). I too leave all of that blank and prefer to discuss salary when I'm further along in the process. Sometimes the ATS will kick you out if you don't answer the question (or answer with a real number as opposed to 11111 which I did recently) but that is what it is. I know the double edged sword of listing a number so early--it can cut you in either direction. When asked in an interview or communication, you might say: I prefer to wait to talk salary or: I would be curious to know the salary range for this position (just avoid talking about yourself and turn it around) and if you have to answer what your history has been do your best to get out of it. I think saying to someone: I was underpaid aqt my last position, I'm looking for market rate for this job (as you did! Smart!) is fair, or: each position is so different that I'd like to ask you to share the salary range for THIS position with me, please and thank you. Good luck.

42. JeanneDecember 27,2021 at 11:51AM UTC

    I typically provide a range to them and say “I would be comfortable with a salary in the range of $X-$Y”. And I tell them that fit and culture is very important to me. But I always ask the range of the position as well.

    Recently I have found that jobs which seem to fit my experience and what I enjoy doing are being paid a significant amount less than I am currently making. Since salary ranges are usually not posted with the position, this conversation has to happen when the corporate recruiter calls me and then it’s kind of a letdown. I would not have wasted time applying if I had known the range.

43. AnonymousDecember 27,2021 at 4:12PM UTC

    I recently got a new job, had to face this question, and contacted several friends in the recruiting space for advice on what to do.

    The organization was very upfront about the salary range, however as I was currently in an "in-between" job in my career, the salary I was currently making wasn't comparable to the salary I should have been making for the career step.

    I left my current salary blank, included a desired salary range (both within and slightly outside of the given range for negotiation purposes - I was told 55-60, I gave them 58-62, I got 60), and I told them what I had made in my previous comparable position.

44. AnonymousDecember 27,2021 at 5:51PM UTC

    In several states, it is illegal to ask this question as part of a job application process. Check the website below to see what your state has to say about this practice:

    https://www.hrdive.com/news/salary-history-ban-states-list/516662/

45. Christina TDecember 28,2021 at 8:43PM UTC

    I left it blank on a previous application and was told it was almost to my detriment but they overlooked the fact I left it blank and hired me anyway. They could also look up my previous salary as a state employee in the same state (GA) so there was that.

46. Doree GreenDecember 30,2021 at 10:02PM UTC

    Yes -- this is an illegal questions in many states now. This new law is intended to encourage equitable pay in the workplace as women traditionally make a percentage of their male peers' salaries.

    I have found a comfortable pivot is to state what my market value is rather than addressing the inappropriate question about my current salary. There are plenty of websites which give you that market-value range based on your job title and region.

    Good luck! If they're asking about salary, it's a great sign you're advancing through their application process!

47. Emily KeiperDecember 31,2021 at 2:57AM UTC

    There have been many comments here but I think my advice to you is…. “Give them the dollar amount you know you deserve.” Everyone knows what they are capable of and what salary they really desire. If that salary aligns with the average salaries you see in your state (Google if you’re unfamiliar) and you have worked your tail off and know you’d be valuable to the company your interviewing with, then shoot your shot and throw them a number.

    “I currently make $$, however I am capable of much more and feel underpaid as I am aware of the average salary for a role of this nature, I am looking for $$ at this time as I feel it better reflects my skill sets and capabilities”

48. AnonymousJanuary 9,2022 at 5:49PM UTC

    That's exactly what I did & now I'm living my dream career.

    "We teach the world how to treat us. Let's teach them well." http://barbaramlittles.com/living-into-the-power-of-a-woman/

49. Liz MilneJanuary 4,2022 at 5:08PM UTC

    Find out high-low ranges for the job you are chasing and state that you are looking for medium-high within that range, which gives them leeway to bring you down to medium low. If they offer you too little, a swift shake of your head and 'No, that doesn't work for me,' should be sufficient. (Never justify why you need this amount or that, just have a limit below which you will not go and politely refuse all offers under that...)

    If they insist on knowing your current salary, say, 'It's not

    relevant to this position' or 'My current salary is $X which is terribly low for my skillset and one of the reasons I'm leaving.'

    Good luck!

50. AnonymousJanuary 5,2022 at 4:28AM UTC

    This is great advice, and the book “Never Split the Difference” expands on this and how to negotiate well (including tricks like giving a non-round number amount like $81,225 instead of something like $80k as the amount you need because it gives off the impression you’ve done calculations and put a lot of thought into the specific number.)

51. AnonymousJanuary 5,2022 at 7:09PM UTC

    I read that book (Never Split the Difference) and loved it. I should re-read it.