From the hiring manager's perspective, knowing a candidate's
salary history helps them determine whether the person is likely to accept the position or keep looking for another job.
Not exact matches
Specifics that she called out included the Landlord Watchlist, and
helping pass the
Salary History Ban.
Of course, employers who inquire into
salary history generally claim that they need to know what you've earned in the past because it
helps them figure out how much you should be earning now, or so that they can screen out candidates who are earning far more than the position pays and presumably won't want to take a pay cut.
For example, if you're asked to include your
salary history, giving a range instead of exact figures will
help show you're flexible.
If removing the
salary history requirement will
help end gender wage disparities and discrimination, that is something we should all be on board with in our industry (and any other).
Conversely, if your
salary history has been on the lower end, same suggestions apply: discuss key points regarding your talent, any quantifiable achievements, specialized training, and education to
help further support your desire for career advancement, while keeping in mind your total compensation package including benefits.
And if you're an employer concerned with paying appropriately for your market, read our whitepaper The
Salary History Question: Alternatives for Recruiters and Hiring Managers here, and learn more about PayScale's suite of compensation software products — that can
help you pay the right way.
More than 1,400 action words, statements, and position descriptions that
help sell your skills and experience • Hundreds of words, phrases, and vague claims to avoid • Advice for handling employment gaps, job - hopping, and requests for
salary history and requirements • Sample résumés, response letter, inquiry letter, informational interview request letter, references, and more • Surprising tips for acing the interview
There are exceptions to the rule and situations in which it would
help your cause to declare your
salary history, including when speaking to an executive recruiter, where transparency is beneficial.
Employers request
salary histories and / or requirements to
help them determine if there is a fit monetarily.
Nixing the
salary history question could
help close these gaps, by
helping women to negotiate
salary based on the job title in question, not their
salary history.