Salary History

[Crystalguru]

I have been looking at job postings lately. Have noticed many jobs that require you to submit a salary history. From my experience, I have given a salary range but not history. What is the best way to do this? Incorporate it into the resume?

Just curious!

 

[onpnt]

yes, the salary histroy has seemingly come into play more then it was prior now. most the positions I've looked into have required this also.
from my understanding and what I have done is be accurate in salary base and other compensations
so for a present salary histroy I would format this as
present salary: $80,000
Compensations
Bonus quarterly: $5,000
Stock envolvment: 5%
401K enrollment: 6% and higher contributions with company match
etc......

The salary histroy is going to give the employer a few things to think about in my perspective of things.
can I afford this person as a employee
can I find a candidate for a less compensation package
etc...

note: I would be accurate on this. typicaly what I've seen is the point not to take a position without a 5% to 10% increase in compensation overall. unless of course you just hate your job now and are willing to give in. HR departments know this and that is how they will effectively set their bugeting for the manpower.

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[Crystalguru]

Thanks for the detailed info. If you have included this information, where did you put it- on your resume or as an additional attachement? What's the "proper" place to put it?

 

[onpnt]

I always include it on the cover letter
this doesn't seem like appropriate information when requested to be placed on a resume but more so on a cover letter _________________________________________________________
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[algernonsidney]

I am always bothered when someone asks for this, and experience has proven me right. Most employers have a budget of some type and have already made up their mind on what they are going to pay the person they hire.

A good employer will say up front: "We're looking to pay x--is that acceptable?"

They may just be doing "salary surveys."

They might also hope that someone shoots low, so they can save money. Also, if you shoot low, they may think you aren't any good or you would be asking for more.

If you shoot higher, they can throw you out for that reason.

It's a no-win situation for you. When times were good, I did not respond to ads that asked about it.

More importantly, it shows that the employer sees their employees as liabilities and not as assets. Employers with those attitudes do not change.

Chris

 

[KornGeek]

I've had several employers have me sign a non-disclosure agreement that included my salary (they don't want employees comparing notes on salary). I've taken advantage of this fact to avoid disclosing my pay rate. It has the advantage of tactfully dodging the problems that Chris mentions while showing them that I honor non-discloure agreements. However, most places see this for what it is, a way to avoid showing my cards. Then again, I see them asking for salary history as a way for them to avoid showing their cards of what salary they were targeting.

I let them discuss what they're expecting to pay and let them know if I feel it is reasonable. If I don't think it is, I will negotiate using numbers pulled from various job search websites showing what others in similar positions are making.

I avoid putting salary information into print on my resume, cover letter, etc. at all costs. I view that as inappropriate, and if it's in print, you never know who might see it. If my interview goes well in other regards, my previous salary has never been a real issue.

 

[carp]

This is indeed a thorny issue.
All guidance on job-seeking I have ever seen says you should never provide this information. I agree whole-heartedly. What I have made in the past should have no bearing on my salary at a new job. The potential employer and I should discuss the salary they are willing to pay and I am willing to accept. If I decide that I want twice my current salary, then that is what I'll be going for. If they decide they will pay no more than $30k, then that's what they should say. But to try to tie my future salary to my past salary is ridiculous.

With that said, what makes this tricky is the screening process to get an interview. If you omit the information, will you be dismissed for "not paying attention to detail"? I don't know - it hasn't seemed to be a problem for me. But then again, I've been very fortunate and my luck might be running out!

 

[algernonsidney]

Another problem with this is a dilemma you might have if you have moved. I was talking to a guy who lived in Boston, where salaries are higher than Ohio. By mentioning his salary there, he immediately DQ'd himself for anything that was lower, even if it was the same type of work.

I told him to "adjust" his salary and basically lie about it. Most people simply won't factor in things like pay rates and how they compare in some areas as opposed to others.

Chris

 

[KornGeek]

The problem with telling a lie is that if they do a background check and confirm your salary, it makes you look bad. I still think dodging the question is the safest way out of a bad situation.

 

[carp]

I don't think former employers are allowed to disclose salaries - of course that doesn't mean they don't!

The problem with salary histories is they really don't show the whole picture. When I was transistioning from the military to a civilian job, my salary history would have been about 40% lower than the civilian equivilent. I certainly was NOT going to settle for a comparable salary. Furthermore, as I'm sure many can attest, different companies expect different things from individuals filling positions with similar titles. My last stint as a DBA required me to also be a lead developer and a network manager. Previous engagements had "only" involved being a DBA. So how to compare the two jobs if salary history is the only criteria?

The only people who have any possible right to know how much I made at previous engagements work for the IRS, and I don't like telling them either!!

 

[Crystalguru]

Well, I am glad to see everyone else has come up against this salary history monster. My first gut reaction to a company that requires a salary history is- 1.)am I to high or 2.)am I under-cutting myself. So, I agree with everyone, the company should meet you first and discuss your qualifications. That should determine your salary. I never go into a interview thinking "boy, it would be great to make what I am making now"!

later

 

[algernonsidney]

I don't think most employers want salaries disclosed. Look at baseball. Everyone knows what everyone else makes. It only serves to drive those salaries up.

Chris

 

[Crystalguru]

If it works for sports, maybe it will work for us...

Posting my salary to a HR department just makes me feel like shouting "HEY, if you would only TALK to me!".

Another thought...way back when- I used to FAX my cover letter and resume to potential employers, I would write this elaborate cover letter. Now, since I submit most all of my resumes via email it seems my cover letter (email message) seems choppy and unfriendly. Here's the question: Should I still be writing this elaborate message or keep it simple?

Ideas?

 

[AIXSPadmin]

Since I am probably being downsized I have been looking for a job using the internet and email. I too used to have the eloquent cover letter and have resorted to the short email message and attaching my resume in .doc and .rtf formats. I too have wondered if I should be writing the formal "perfect" cover letter.

But then I wonder if they would even read it because it would be long and might be passed over for the short message.

From the short emails sent, the informal message, though worded correctly using correct grammer, spelling & punctuation hasn't seemed to be a problem so far.

Curious too what others think on the cover letter "thing."

 

[skiflyer]

Very formal and appropriate, but never break a page.

That's my opinion.

My second unsolicited opinion... network like mad... find people within the company that you can befriend who'll pass it to HR. If you have a school to fall back on, call them up and see who they can put you in touch with, if you don't, call your drinking buddies or something. Resumes that get in through the web, IMHO, are darn near the bottom fo the stack... not disregarded... but if a qualified applicant comes in through another route, it's likely they'll get the job before they get to you.

-Rob

 

[Kjonnnn]

Unless they've changed employment law..... they can ask beginning and starting salary and job title.

 

[Kjonnnn]

Oh ... I mean thats what they can ask your former employee.

The company i use to work for sent all requests to HR. HR only gave out the above (add start date and end date). They didnt give out "subjective" references for fear of possible lawsuit as policy.

 

[KornGeek]

I used to do background checks once upon a time. There is (almost) no limit to what they can ask your former employers. Several companies will only release employment dates and job titles. A few more will confirm (but not provide) salary information (however, depending on who you get, they might let you play the guessing game). Amazingly, several companies will answer just about any question. If you notice, when the company has you fill out an application, the box where you sign usually says that you are giving your former employers permission to disclose past work performance, etc.

Still, lawsuits get filed and companies get paranoid. So the above information is what is usually given.

 

[jpittawa]

I have only been asked for a salary history once, and my answer was that it is both personal and irrelevant. What is relevant is what I am ready to work for today.

In any event, NEVER give it to a recruiter. Recruiters are not your friend. You might as well post it on WEB site.

 

[Crystalguru]

Ah, recruiters. Now that's getting into a whole new ballgame! They claim they are on your side and will "try" to get you the highest salary. But I'm not sure about that... and DON'T EVER try to leave a contract position where a recruiter has you placed. They will ignore your emails, phone calls and definately NOT try to get you a new position. I should of stayed independent! I can state my own price, length, hours...argh. This is my first contract job that I feel I'm better off un-employed than employed.[flush]

Sorry to go off, but I guess that is what the water cooler is for!