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Can I lie about my current salary to recruiters?

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Can I lie about my current salary to recruiters? I’m not going to use euphemisms here and pretend this isn’t a lie. My role is slightly underpaid, would it be okay to add the 10% bonus that I receive on to my base salary (eg base = $100k, bonus = $10k, tell recruiters my current salary is $110k)?

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  1. Anonymous

    I suggest you tell them what you would like your new salary to be.

  2. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    No.

    First of all, in about 38 states, it's illegal for them to ask you what you're making. You can tell them what you're looking to make. If you're in a state where it's not illegal to ask what you're making and they ask, you can just say I'm at $100k on my base plus a 10% bonus.

    It's not ok to lie about your compensation or your experience.

  3. Anonymous

    Absolutely.

  4. Anonymous

    I would not call that lieing. If thats what you earned, thats what you earned.

  5. Anonymous

    They should only ask you how much you are looking to make. Ask for what you are worth. I've lied when given a low offer. I said, "Oh, I already make that much." They quickly bumped it up to what I asked for.

  6. Anonymous

    Great question. As a previous recruiter you never get the info from directly asking. You don't have to lie, you will get paid what the position is worth, not what you think you are worth. There is a budget, however, let the recruiter know the range you seek. It doesn't matter what you make, it matters you fit the position and your salary needs match their range. But recruiters many days do not want to be honest. I was. I would say the range is this. If you know you are making 110K and you are okay making 80-100K then state that. If you know you are earning 110K now and want to make 10% more, than provide a range 110-120K. A good recruiter knows how to negotiate, discuss benefits and perks.

  7. Anonymous

    Thank you so much, that’s a great way to move forward with such questions and just discuss expectations instead.

  8. Yaneke D. Keise

    I agree. Give a range of what you want to be paid for the job. Don’t make the range too wide - aim for 5k or 10k difference. You don’t have to discuss what you have gotten in the past - focus on what you would like to get in your next role. The recruiter will let you know if the range works for you.

  9. rgstaffing@bellsouth.net

    Keeping in mind that we recruiters get paid on what the candidate is earning, it is in our best interest for you to make as much money as possible:) We would not reach out to you however if the salary is totally out of your range and previous experience.

  10. Anonymous

    I’ve found success in, when they ask your compensation, break it down. If they’re going to calculate how to charge you as little as possible based on your current salary, it’s a job you just don’t need & it’s not worth your time. This is how I doubled my yearly salary in five years. One of the best things I ever witnessed was my friend taking a recruiter’s call, asking the compensation, and him promptly shooting the recruiter down and ending the call after voicing him minimums. Was an enlightening moment.

  11. Halima

    No need to lie. It’s literally illegal for a recruiter to ask you about your current comp.

  12. Joycelyn M. Siame

    I came here to say the exact same thing... I tell recruiters what salary I am looking for, regardless of what I'm making or have made in the past.

  13. rgstaffing@bellsouth.net

    i pretty much agree with this in this market. I always want to avoid a candidate lying about what they are currently earning. Many are underpaid...I like to have a range of what the new job is.

  14. Holly Burkett

    It depends on here you are located. Currently there are several states and some municipalities that make it illegal to ask but not all and many recruiters conveniently don’t know which. When asked it’s better to steer the conversation and either ask them what the position salary range is or provide them your total expectations.

  15. rgstaffing@bellsouth.net

    It is illegal in some states but not all states. It is not illegal to ask what a candidate is earning in Georgia. Why not just tell the truth? Base is whatever and bonus earned is whatever. You certainly say what it is that you are looking to earn. But if you are going to make a statement that it is illegal for a recruiter to ask what a candidate is earning, please research what states it is illegal in and do not make a blanket statement because it is not true.

  16. Cheryl Neas

    Don’t tell them your current salary at all.

  17. Leah Petrosino

    If you tell them the amount of your total compensation it’s not a lie.

  18. Sharon Reiser

    I recommend providing a compensation range keeping in mind total rewards (every org offers different perks/benefits). But in terms of salary there is no need to share current earnings - just stick to what you know your value is based on the position and provide that range (a little market research in advance is helpful).

  19. Nicolette Thompson

    It’s not even legal to ask current compensation, in like half the states, Lie away!

    actually, tell them what you’re looking to make, honestly. You’re looking to be in the $120k zone. Know your basement. Know your market and your value in it. And have fun!

  20. Maggie Stone

    As other posters have said, in most states, you don’t have to provide this information.
    The recruiter is actually asking, “Is this person willing to work for what we’re willing to pay?” I personally turn this question around and ask for the salary range of the position. However, if you have to answer, or choose to answer, I would lay it out exactly as you did in the post, base salary plus bonus. But I try to be open and transparent because that is one of my core values.

  21. Tom Reuland

    I see nothing wrong with this. You do not want to under cut yourself.

  22. Crystal Howell

    Perfect how you laid it out, use the range you will accept, check what is on www.salary.com for your position title.

    Good Luck, when you get it, I will supersize your home. I do mortgages nationally.

  23. Anonymous

    There is no need to ever lie. All you need to respond is "my salary expectation is x."

  24. Anonymous

    I would just tell the recruiter “where you’re at” and give an answer of what you’re looking for like” $120-$130 flexible depending on total compensation package." I think current skill set is important to the conversation but current salary is not especially if you’re looking to a role/company that is bigger than current. Just know what the market rates/industry and it should be good enough for the recruiter to know the range you’re looking for.

  25. Anonymous

    I would say something along the lines of “my total compensation is $110k”.
    You don’t want to have it come out in a background check that you lied, and have that cost you a job.

    You can also use that $100k as the answer to the “why are you looking” question - you know you are underpaid for the market and and are looking for a position that values your skills.

  26. Anonymous

    How would it be detected in background check? Curious.

  27. Anonymous

    It will not be detected in background. Employers are not willingly share the sensitive salary data with other employers lol. Anyways recruiters lie all the time about not knowing salary bans. Do what you must.

  28. Anonymous

    When directly contacting former Employers , they won’t typically share this..but most employers are pointing these types of inquiries to ‘The Work Number’ for employment verification and these reports do include salary.

  29. Anonymous

    I’ve been asked to provide pay stubs when they couldn’t reach a previous employer to verify employment. There is a statement that you should redact your pay information but if you don’t it will be considered voluntarily disclosed.

  30. Valerie Rieger

    I wouldn't recommend lying. I would suggest something along the lines of "Based on market data, I am currently undercompensated for my role. I am seeking a compensation level between X and Y." If pressed, you could say "My total compensation is ..." That provides an accurate representation of your current compensation.

    As for states that ban the salary history question, I found this link that provides some pretty good information. It is dated February 2022, so there may be some states that have added bans. https://www.hrdive.com/news/salary-history-ban-states-list/516662/

  31. Cat Kerr

    In the comments here, many people have offered dodgy answers that could work in an interview situation. "My expectation is this." "My research shows I'm underpaid." But in reality, I've encountered many, many online applications where the salary question is required and it only allows you to enter numerical data. There is no opportunity for explanation or context. So you must decide what number to fill in the box. And that makes this a lot more difficult.

  32. Anonymous

    Echoing what others have said but also your current comp shouldn’t be what your new role’s salary is based on. They are different roles. The only way I have taken my salary from $27k/year to over $200k/yr in 20 years time is by slightly embellishing salary when switching roles for what it’s worth. :) Good luck!

  33. Joyce Glas Nielsen

    What does your W-2 show at the end of the year that you made? Does it differentiate between base salary and bonus? I thought not.

    Over the years I have had employers “show“ me just how much I was making from the company. They put a dollar amount on benefits. They showed the top end of projected bonuses. And, of course, they showed my base salary. Then, they added it at all up to show me how much I really made from the company.

    You are making $110 a year, from your example. Simple enough to state, and it’s not a lie.

    Companies will show your compensation bottom line in their annual reports. Why shouldn’t you offer your bottom line for last year as your true compensation?

  34. Tamara Allen

    Truthfully, recruiters and/or employers shouldn’t be asking what your current salary is and there are cities/states that have made it illegal to ask. They should be asking what your salary expectations are. So that’s how I would answer the question. For example, if they do ask you for your current salary you could respond with “I’m looking for $110k to make a move from my current position.”

  35. Michelle Hannah

    Not sure if others have said this but in some states recruiters and HR are not allowed to ask that question. I’m in Illinois and it cannot be asked. When I’ve encountered it, I just say what my expectation is based on market, etc. Another commenter made reference to the virtual applications. In that case, I would put the number your looking for.

  36. Celena Barton

    So true! It’s illegal in most states to be asked.

  37. Karen Lord

    Given your existing salary is something easily confirmed, I would not lie. If I interviewed someone who told me their salary and we found out later it wasn't, I'd wonder what else they might have lied about in the interview process.

  38. Melissa Verdoni

    in what world are salaries EASY information to obtain ?? pretty sure you CANNOT just call up and ask, because EVERYONE would be doing it. yes indeed posts salaries in a general sense, but i generally make more than those posted salaries.

  39. Kimberly Sweeney

    Honestly, you should never lie; however, what I would suggest saying something like the following: "While I understand your request for my salary requirements, I feel it is best to provide this information once I have the chance to speak with the hiring manager about the role. To ensure you and I are on the same page from a range perspective, could you supply the range in which "XX - Company Name" are comfortable with for this role?"

  40. Jennifer Viley

    I’m a recruiter and owner of an executive search firm. I would advise on responding in the following manner, especially if you are currently underpaid. “In order to stay in a comparable range to where I’m at now, as well as my level of skills and experience, I would be seeking something in the range of 115k annually.” Saying this gives a basic indication of where you are and accounts for a slight bump to navigate being underpaid and putting you closer to market value. This is a job seekers market! Good luck!!

  41. Anonymous

    Your current salary is irrelevant. Your salary requirements are the only thing relevant.

  42. Anonymous

    Recruiters should not be asking you what your current salary is.

    I've always gone above and beyond the expectations of my role so that I can ask for more money in the next role if I leave a company. It may feel uncomfortable, but if you start setting your salary expectations significantly higher than your current pay, you'd be surprised what you find. Finding a job can take a bit longer but in the last 4 years, changing companies twice (similar role), I've gone from $56k to $130k. I was making $80k at my most recent job and set my expectations at $120k minimum while interviewing and felt slightly uncomfortable doing it in the moment. BUT here I am, at $130k. Always ask for a number higher than what you're comfortable with. Men do it all the time, everyone else should too.

  43. Jenny Cox, PHR

    It boils down to this - know your worth. Recruiters should not be asking what your current pay is. Period.

    If you know your worth - you know what you bring to the table in terms of skills, experience and work ethic - then you can confidently say "In order to make a move at this time I'd need to have an annual salary of $XXXXX." And if they can't pay you that, then they can't pay what your worth and it's on to the next employer who can.

  44. Megan Russell

    I agree with this. It is a lot of time and effort for both the company and you, so being upfront about what your salary (compensation) needs are is important.

  45. Goalsetter621789

    To start a new position (anything for that matter) based on a lie is unacceptable. I agree with Jennifer Viley. Surmise your level of experience and skill and advise what specific salary range you require.

  46. Mindy

    Echoing the comments from someone else, do NOT lie about easily verifiable information. You don't want to take the chance that they'll find out and rescind the offer over a "lie." Many comments giving alternative answers and in my experience with recent interviews, the fact that I was underpaid didn't matter to the recruiter and in one case, made her more protective of me to get me the best possible salary in the new role. They generally know the range available so it's ok to ask what the range is for the salary and see if you're in alignment.

  47. Anonymous

    110K is your total compensation. Your total comp will include base salary, plus bonuses, RSUs, etc. Your employer counts that when thinking about their expenses, you should use your total comp when thinking about how much you want your base salary to be.

    Either way, it's usually illegal to ask what you were paid before. If they ask, tell them what your minimum base salary requirement is instead.

  48. Kirstie Parker

    As others have said, it is now illegal in many states for a recruiter to even ASK what you are currently making or what you previously made, so your question is not relevant if you live in one of those states: https://www.hrdive.com/news/salary-history-ban-states-list/516662/. You are in control. You tell them what you want to make, and you decide how much flexibility you have to accept a number under your desired range, if other work conditions make up for it (i.e., excellent work culture, generous paid time off policies, work from home, etc.)

  49. Anonymous

    Another way to look at it is to tell them you want to consider the entire compensation package (vacation time, 401k matching, etc.) before an offer is firmed up. There could be $10-15k worth of benefits that would change what you would be willing to accept from a compensation standpoint.

  50. EMILY KIKUE FRANK

    As a few folks have already said, there are lots of states now in which it's illegal to ask salary history questions. Here's a list: https://www.hrdive.com/news/salary-history-ban-states-list/516662/

  51. Kathryn

    I tell them I make slightly less than I want. Not really lying it is none of thier business what I make currently .

  52. Kirstin

    Recruiter here! Curious why they’re even asking. Current salary has nothing to do with worth I believe.

    Theres nothing saying you can’t do what you’re suggesting, but even if they pose it as “what’s your current salary” My response would be “I’m looking for X to make a move”

    they shouldn’t press more than that, but if they do I might question why they need that information as it has no bearing on what you’d accept to move roles.

  53. Anonymous

    I agree with Joyce, and anyone else who said the same. You do not have to tell anyone what you are paid today. They have no right to ask. I've never been asked, only what my salary expectations were. No one has the right to tell you what you are worth based on past experiences.

    I worked for a company that paid me half of the market rate for what I do. As soon as I found out, I asked for a raise. They asked me to put together a proposal with the market rate information. I did it, but while doing it, I realized this wasn't right. So I found another job that paid me what I was worth.

    The previous company ended up having to raise the salary after I left (a recruiter did not see this company on my resume for some reason, contacted me a couple years later, and I asked what they were offering. Same as what I wanted!) since no one would work for that little pay. The field was new to me. Anyway, it's all about moving forward.

  54. GirlBossanova934974

    2 points. Why is anyone even asking what you are making today? What is the relevance? Your next employer is going to pay you what they think you are worth, not what some other company thinks. Second, how would they even find out what you are truly making? Are you going to send them your tax return? Are they going to call your current boss or company and ask? The company that gives out that sort of information is asking for a big fat lawsuit. Most companies have competent legal counsel these days and most supervisors and HR department have been adequately informed. All in all, I would stay focused on getting what you are worth. Do your own research. If you belong to a trade or profession, trade groups and professional societies keep data on what people in your trade or profession earn by number of years of experience. It is called the "Annual Salary Survey".

  55. rgstaffing@bellsouth.net

    You are uninformed. Many companies ask for a pay stub from an employed candidate so that lies are eliminated and yes, it does impact what they offer.

  56. Esscee Aytch

    I have never been asked for a pay stub. Or asked for one. It’s truly not their business. I wouldn’t consider working for a company that would do this.

  57. lsander8@its.jnj.com

    Agree with Esscee Aytch, you ask for my pay stub and it's bye bye! I would never give anyone that information, ever. And would consider any company that asked for it to be unethical and not worth my time or contributions.

  58. Vanda Lee

    In 35 years I have never been asked for a pay stub to verify salary from a current employer. I have worked for small regional companies all the way to several global organizations. My pay is MY business and I would not work for an organization that requested that information in order to be hired for a position. I question your level of being "informed"... most companies today will only verify your employment with "they worked here from xyz date until xyz date" to protect them from any legal action. And you're telling me "many" companies are asking for pay stubs for salary verification? That's just crazy!

  59. Anonymous

    I was severely under paid at my old job. When I made a move I got a 60% increase (where I should have been at my old company tbh, I wouldn’t have left if the pay was fair there) The recruiter asked me what I’d be comfortable with to leave my current position at the time and I simply asked her if I could know the base salary range and I would tell her yes or no to the range being in my comfort level. Safe to say it was very much ok as I ended up on the higher end of their range when I got an offer. So I don’t think you need to lie or even tell them for that matter. Just ask them the comp range and ask to see their benefits package too! If they still urge you to provide your current salary do some research on glassdoor for that company and their salary for the role you’re applying for and the industry average and make an informed answer then. Id personally go higher than my current but obviously nothing super ridiculous.

  60. rgstaffing@bellsouth.net

    A recruiter will handle that for you. And as you all are aware, the more money you make, the more money we make.

  61. Anonymous

    When applying for my last job, I included all of the perks of my former employer in my salary (Free lunch every day, for instance), then added some because I wasn't leaving for less than a reasonable bump. It is now illegal in my state for employers to ask, but I see no issue with this, especially if they won't tell you the range. And for what it's worth, my last position had a range higher than I said my salary was, and they didn't start me at the bottom of the range. They started me about mid-range.

  62. rgstaffing@bellsouth.net

    sounds fair. They typically do not go to the top of the range unless you are earning close to that.

  63. Rae Shende

    Perhaps refer to it as a 'package,' not salary. Tell them your total compensation package is...??? That way you put the conversation back in their hands. Compensation is a negotiation and you shouldn't get caught into a trap of not asking for your worth and eliminating the negotiation process.

  64. Anonymous

    Its against the law in many states to ask what you are currently making. I would suggest you tell them where you would like to be in salary, if asked. Do your homework, and ask for your value. Ask what the range is. In some states its now required they disclose the range in any job posting, so they should be able to tell you.

    Don't undercut yourself, don't say you will be flexible when you first start talking about salary, this just shows you are unsure of your value. If they want to negotiate, they will, you don't need to invite it. Most companies want to know where you are so they don't waste your time going through the interview just to find out they can't afford you. Good luck.

  65. rgstaffing@bellsouth.net

    I think this is pretty good advice.

  66. JYJ

    What you currently make has nothing to do with the role you're interviewing for. As anon said below, it IS illegal in most states for a company to ask you that. You should never offer that information. You can state your current salary expectations and give a range.

  67. rgstaffing@bellsouth.net

    It is not illegal in most states--it is illegal in some states. And actually, what you are earning if put forward does impact the role you are interviewing for. Hopefully you are worth what you are asking and have something to bring to the table.

  68. JYJ

    There are currently 37 states in which it is illegal. Last I checked, that's a majority.

  69. Lomaxruiter@yahoo.com

    I think the list of 37 includes cities, counties, and states. That list also includes 2 states that ban restrictions on employers asking salary history (MI and WI), which is the opposite of a salary history ban.

  70. Vanda Lee

    How does what you are currently earning impact the role you are interviewing for?

  71. Michelle Popke

    No. My organization makes people turn in a pay stub in the negotiations. Getting caught in the lie could cost you a job.

  72. rgstaffing@bellsouth.net

    i have always thought that is a good idea for working candidates to discourage the lies that I know happen.

  73. Anonymous

    Gross. you could pay people what they and the role are worth, regardless of whether their previous employer was able to take advantage of them. But sure, more invasive is also an option.

  74. Kathryn

    This is illegal in most state

  75. Anonymous

    That’s awful.
    I’d withdraw my application.

    First, Call me a liar without calling me a liar. Second, What I got paid to work somewhere else has nothing to do with what the rate for the role you’re hiring is. Either I have the skills or I don’t, my salary history doesn’t tell you that.

  76. Anonymous

    Do they also make people turn in a copy of their high school diploma? College degrees? DNA sample?

    Can’t be too careful people can lie about anything.

  77. Anonymous

    Some employers, especially school districts and colleges, do require you to submit your high school diploma, college transcripts. Some employers even require you to submit a blood test if needed.

  78. Anonymous

    What is the blood test for? I've been drug tested as a prehire, but not that way.

  79. Michelle Popke

    Actually they do have to turn in college transcripts for certain technical positions. It’s a nightmare to try to hire digital talent in a rigid hiring process.

  80. Anonymous

    Very true. You can be get dismissed or fired for misrepresentation.

  81. Anonymous

    That is horrendous. I would never turn in a pay stub.

  82. Ellen L Wright

    Never lie to a recruiter. Not ever. They will find out and you won't get the job you want. You can tell them the salary that you believe you deserve and the range that you know other people are getting, and a good recruiter will help you get that. They know when people are being underpaid and it is actually a selling point for them to tell a prospective employer "hey, this person is looking and they'll do you a great job because they are not being appreciated where they currently are." Just make damn sure that when you land that job that you make certain that you are worth every penny you are being paid because that employer pays that recruiter a fee based on your wages. It is a rather hefty one, too. So you have a responsibility to the employer AND to the recruiter to live up to your hype. Play it true and fair.

  83. Gretchen Skalka

    No need to lie.

    Just ask the recruiter how past salary is relevant to a future role with what are likely to be inherently different needs, requirements and trajectories than your previous roles.

    Turn the question around so that you are getting the benefit of more information rather than accepting being put in what feels like a compromized position simply for trying to improve your own.

  84. Anonymous

    I agree entirely this is what we *should* do. This is how it *should* be accepted… but it’s just not the reality.

    You try to spin it nicely… they double down and practically demand the answer… now you’re being “difficult”, or at least that’s how the person you wouldn’t answer may now describe you.

    I’ve heard it’s illegal in some states for them to even ask now. Good.

    The sad truth is that honesty will keep you woefully underpaid and follow you throughout your career. Early in my career I moved from a small city to NYC with my employer who didn’t give me a cost of living increase. When the next company asked me what I was making, I told the truth & they gave me a tiny bit more, which was still laughably low for NYC. Repeat that cycle a few times… that’s how you end up with 20+ years of professional experience making $60k begging for a raise.

    I now work for a company that didn’t ask me what I made. They wanted to know what experience I had and what I could do… they paid me more than double what the last company did when I started & I’ve gotten substantial raises since… so one could argue I am worth it.

    I don’t believe in lying.

    I don’t believe in allowing myself to be taken advantage of.

    Reconciling those two statements is nearly impossible in the posters situation.

  85. Gretchen Skalka

    I completely understand that feeling, but I can also tell you that we are what we settle for. We are what we accept.

    We don't have to like it, but it's what makes the reality of each of our lives.

    If you accept that someone has the power to force you to answer a question you don't want to answer or that may, as you said, be illegal -- and you answer it anyway, then you are handing that power to them and taking it away from yourself.

    So what if a recruiter asks you a question you don't want to answer? Is he/she the gatekeeper to all that you have in store for your future?

    Only if you give them that power.

    We are what we allow and/or settle for.

    No one - regardless of your circumstance - has the power to control you.

    Unless you give it to them.

  86. Anonymous

    They’re certainly the gatekeeper for that opportunity. They do have control of how you will be presented to the hiring manager. understanding what is NOT within our control to give away is also very important.

    the phrase “we are what we settle for” reeks of privilege.

    I’m happy that you can have that perspective I kindly ask you to remember that it is a gift not everyone received.

  87. Gretchen Skalka

    Clearly I've rubbed you the wrong way, which was not my intention.

    It's also clear that you've had some very negative recruiting/employment experiences, and I am genuinely sorry about that for you.

    I'll leave it right there.

  88. rgstaffing@bellsouth.net

    Of course keeping in mind that bonus' are just that and not ever guaranteed, otherwise it would be salary.

  89. Anonymous

    Not saying you SHOULD lie, because everyone here saying not to is making valid points. Just want to add my experience for your consideration.

    About 18 months ago, two jobs ago, I took the risk of lying about my salary. It started out as my telling the recruiter what I wanted to earn (a lot more than what I was making), and then through later conversations as part of the negotiation process, the recruiter started asking me details about what I was currently earning, and I felt pressured to lie in order to defend what I had already asked for. I first did my research to determine it would be illegal in that state for me to be asked to provide W2s to prove my current salary, and I purposely made it a little hard to verify as a mix of salary plus variable bonus components. It was stressful, but no one ever called me out at any point, and they offered me a fair premium on my trumped-up comp package.

    Then when I went into negotiations for my next role, I was able to be fully truthful in how I represented my compensation and asked for a fair premium on that, and got it.

    So in the end, my initial lie really helped me overcome a pay disparity and reset my market value to feel more competitive.

    I would just make sure you do some research on the state you live in and the state the company is based in and even the state the recruiter is based in, and make sure you have a grip on the risks you might be taking and feel comfortable with it.

  90. Anonymous

    I am not sure if I would have done this. Just be careful, because the Human Resources Office can always contact your previous employers and ask for references. You can be dismissed for misrepresentation.

  91. Michele Feldman

    Asking for references does not necessarily equal asking for salary requirements. Again, illegal in some states to ask for this history.

  92. Krystin Morgan

    I wouldn't advise lying. I would, however, advise not sharing your current salary and instead sharing your desired salary. Many states in the US already have laws against asking for salary history. If they ask what you're making, it's reasonable to say instead something like, "I'm targeting $110k or higher." If they continue to push it's fair to say you would prefer not to share your current salary, and reiterate what you're targeting.

  93. Eloisa Jacinto

    Hey there. I would strongly advise not to lie. It does not align with your values and any misdeclarations can later haunt you. Instead, you can opt not to share or tell the HH that your total annual salary is x. Then provide a salary expectation that is well-researched or defensible.

    Good luck!

  94. C Allen

    So aside from all the comments saying don't lie.

    To the point: the example you are representing is not a lie. $110k would effectively be your salary. So yes, based off the scenario you presented (and nothing else), go with that. I would not feel unethical representing my salary this way.

  95. Anonymous

    Thank you. And I only say it if I’ve had bonuses paid out 2-3 years in a row at 100%.

  96. C Allen

    Since your bonuses vary (I assume) give them a range. If they ask why the range explain it's due to my "performance" bonus ;-)

  97. Anonymous

    I don't think you should lie about your current salary to recruiters. Just be honest.

    I am not sure if I would have done this. although I have worked with some people who have lied about their past working conditions to HR.

    Just be careful, because the Human Resources Office can always contact your previous employers and ask for references. You can be dismissed for misrepresentation.

    Some employers, especially school districts and colleges, do require you to submit your high school diploma, college transcripts. Some employers even require you to submit a blood test if needed.

  98. Anonymous

    I disagree with this perspective and would like to share an alternate view.
    There is evidence that certain groups of people have faced wage discrimination and laws have been passed in several states to prevent the wage gap from perpetuating. For example, my area makes it illegal for a recruiter to ask for someone’s current salary for this exact reason.

    Every applicant must do what is right for their well being and financial health.

    My advice to the interview is to say: Every company has an approved budget in mind for a role. What is the budget for this role? When they provide a range, say fair market value for my skills is $X. And really do your research. Learn the limits of sources like Glassdoor and LinkedIn. Become an expert in your value.

    Finally, this isn’t about a lie. This is about a paradigm that has been holding people back from putting bread on their table.

  99. Anonymous

    Incorrect. While HR can can seek references they are not allowed to confirm salary.

  100. Anonymous

    In some states it is illegal for recruiters to ask! Find out if yours is one of them.

  101. Anonymous

    I would just rephrase it - My expected salary is XXX... you are not lying, you are choosing not to answer their question.

    Asking for current salary is a trap in my opinion. They are trying to figure out how they can pay you the least. If you have higher expectations for your next role, tell them your new number. Leaving a company for a new role I expect a higher salary by at least 10%, but I typically ask for 20% higher to see what happens. That is the point of negotiations.

  102. Anonymous

    "My current salary is confidential."

    As others have said, tell them the range you are seeking for your next role.

  103. rgstaffing@bellsouth.net

    Just to be clear, it is NOT illegal here in Georgia to ask a candidate what their current salary is. I will not work with a candidate who will not tell me what they are earning. It automatically sets up a lack of trust and it tells me many things about the candidate.

    I am always happy to share the salary range I have recieved from the company client and there is always a DOE on it. I understand that a candidate deserves to be paid her/his worth and i work very hard to ensure that happens and that they are paid what the job is worth. But I will not represent a candidate who delivers snippy answers and who dodges questions that are legal for me to ask to helps me understand who they are. And I certainly would never represent a candidate who lies or inflates their salary. And in Georgia, it is certainly legal for us to verify this. It is, however, not legal to ask salary information for City of Atlanta government positions.

  104. Anonymous

    See, the snippy answers and question dodging is the only way to get around the fact that you’re asking a question that other states have deemed ILLEGAL. It’s still legal there, but I think it’s worth questioning the necessity and propriety of asking it in the first place. Don’t back someone in a corner asking them about things that they should not have to answer.

    I’m sure there was a time when asking about medical issues or family status was legal & someone made your same points.

    You are in a position to see a better way and effect change for the good. Kindly consider it & remember that ethics and the law don’t always toe the same line.

  105. Anonymous

    Help anyone who works for you. You sound like a nightmare. Its none of your business what a candidate's current salary is. How does knowing their salary help you? Your insistence on knowing this information says a lot about you. Candidates beware!

  106. Anonymous

    Agreed! Whatever they're currently making has nothing to do with the role they're interviewing for. I accept a range for current expectations and if it's in line with the budget for the role, cool. If not, we chat about it. It's worrisome that she's so self righteous about it.

  107. Anonymous

    Trust.
    Yes. I agree trust is so important. So you’ll give the candidate some leniency for not trusting employers with their past salary when this information has historically been used to underpay them, especially women and minorities. Leaders must keep an eye on the tone of the culture. In light of decades of distrust, I’m sure you can find other exercises to determine trust in a candidate.

  108. Vanda Lee

    Wow - not sure how knowing someone's current salary helps you understand who they are.

  109. Steve Florman

    Call it "total compensation" and be up-front about your expectations in your negotiations.

  110. LORI-ANN BURLINGAME

    You mention that your role is slighly unpaid? Is that your personal opinion or according to the industry standard?

    In addition, your current salary has nothing to do with a new role or what the compensation for that position should be.

    Honesty is always the best policy.

  111. Anonymous

    I echo Steve’s point for your example. In addition, most recruiters want to know your salary requirements or desired salary. For the few who do ask about current salary—-i would kindly decline with avoidance. (There are states enacting laws preventing these types of questions for good reason) Don’t feel pressured to answer—you’re likely looking to grow professionally, expand your skills and responsibilities, lead, manage, or deepen your expertise, etc. and hopefully therefore negating any need to dive deeper into a comparison or discussion of your current salary. If they persist… persist back with a desired target range for your new salary.

  112. Anonymous

    While lying is not the best way to ever start a relationship, the objective when moving forward is to make more money. I think that if you would be fine with suggesting your current salary and bonuses and point out the reason for the change is to make more. (and, never talk money first.. what is their budget for the role?)

  113. Anonymous

    I’m curious if the people responding with “honesty is the best policy” are paid at market value.
    It’s easy to offer that advice when you’re not faced with the same challenge.

  114. Regina Brown

    Well, you were paid 10K as a bonus and if I am not mistaken, that 10K is part of your salary...especially when you ask the IRS...I'm just saying...

  115. Anonymous

    I wouldn't if I were you but not from the “honesty is the best policy” standpoint. It would be better to be armed with knowledge; what is the market analysis for your role, the pay range/ national average/ location average, and your uniqueness. Salary negotiation is a constant engagement of conveying your value and why you should be paid more from a business value standpoint.

    Give your range. They don't need to know what you currently make, which may hurt what you may be offered. You deserve the opportunity to earn more, so don't narrow your options/possibilities.

  116. Anonymous

    I worked briefly in HR this year doing employment verifications and reference checks. The company used a form that required the newly-hired employee to list what they made in their previous positions (and then sign the form) and they also had me send a form to employers requesting the employer to list what the employee made while working for them. Is this illegal? I live in Montana.

  117. Anonymous

    I believe asking the employer any other question besides was this employee employed with you and when is not legal.

  118. Anonymous

    I worked in an organization that placed me in a better position but without the extra money or title. It was approximately $50,000 less than the industry standard. So when it came time to apply, I put my expectations at the industry standard. One person asked me what my current salary was and I lied. Had no problem doing it. I had no intention of getting lowballed just because my jerk employer put me in a position without the title or pay. The recruiter told me what their expectations were and I passed on the job (several factors contributed to that decision.)

    I don't lie about my experience, but I had no problem lying about my employer who didn't value me enough to pay me enough. And No, I don't trust other employers or recruiters to value me. I do expect them to get me at the cheapest rate. That's their job. Highest value for the lowest salary.

  119. Anonymous

    Didn't they ask you for your most recent paystub as proof of your employment during the background check?

  120. Anonymous

    I would not lie about my salary; rather I did my research, then shared my expectations of salary when asked before accepting my new job.
    I explained to the recruiter that I was aware that my then current employer was paying way below market. They offered me 15K more, and I'm happy at my new employer going on 3 years now.

  121. Anonymous

    Your total compensation is $110,000 (along with several other things / company paid health &/or life insurance; personal time off, tuition reimbursement? Company car; matching 401k; pension (yes I worked at a company that had both a pension & matched 401k contributions, or very generous retirement benefits)

    There’s a real cost that the company is paying for.

  122. Anonymous

    Most states actually prohibit recruiters and employers of asking for current salary they can however share the range of the position with you or ask you your wage expectations.

    When looking at comp I would suggest looking at total compensation package and also doing your market research for the role. You can share your salary expectations of the position based on variables and sharing your experience, growth potential, skills, responsibilities, etc. If the person insists on you sharing your salary you can ask for the range for the position.

    Hope this helps. Keep in mind no 2 situations are the same so everyones experience can fluctuate.

  123. Anonymous

    Poster, what did you end up doing and how’d it go! We’d love to hear. :)

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