Are companies really requesting salary histories?
Are companies really requesting salary histories?
(OP)
Because of some personal issues, I've been looking for employment in a different geographical region. I haven't sent out any resumes yet, but I've noticed that every website I visit asks for salary history to be included with your resume. Is this common? This was not true when I was looking for a job after graduation 5 years ago.
I don't have too much of a problem providing that information, but I honestly feel like it's kind of irrelevant. Honestly, if I were to be offered what I'm making now or 5% more, I feel like we'd be getting off on the wrong foot when I pretty much tell them to pound sand by actually saying that my current salary is not a reflection of the value I bring to my employer, but more of a reflection of the economy as a whole. I would also say that I really have no interest in them basing their salary offer on my current salary, but would think it should be in line with their needs; the value, technical knowledge and ability, and work ethic, I bring with me; and what the going rate is for someone with my experience level (not that it's that much, but I'm not a fresh grad). I just feel like that's really starting the relationship off on the wrong foot.
Any opinions?
I don't have too much of a problem providing that information, but I honestly feel like it's kind of irrelevant. Honestly, if I were to be offered what I'm making now or 5% more, I feel like we'd be getting off on the wrong foot when I pretty much tell them to pound sand by actually saying that my current salary is not a reflection of the value I bring to my employer, but more of a reflection of the economy as a whole. I would also say that I really have no interest in them basing their salary offer on my current salary, but would think it should be in line with their needs; the value, technical knowledge and ability, and work ethic, I bring with me; and what the going rate is for someone with my experience level (not that it's that much, but I'm not a fresh grad). I just feel like that's really starting the relationship off on the wrong foot.
Any opinions?





RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
The reason for this is to see your progression. It's a waste of time and effort for both parties because it means little to nothing. One of the primary reasons you leave one company is to better yourself in salary and benefits. For a company to rely on this information to make you an offer is just so they can make the lowest offer they think you might accept.
Give it to them, then negotiate hard...tell them if you wanted to stay at the same salary you'd stay at the same place!
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
It's personal and confidential data. There is no good "business case" for me to tell a prospective employer who has not extended an offer how much I currently make.
Hoenstly - would you tell a car salesman how much you have in your bank account?
(The reason why companies want that it is the cheapest and easiest way of collecting the data so they know how much to pay. Cheap employers will use it to decide how much to pay you, less cheap employers will use it to decide how much to pay engineers in general.)
Cedar Bluff Engineering
http://cedarbluffengineering.webs.com
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
(I wouldn't lie, but I sure will leave it blank and not show my cards next time.)
Cedar Bluff Engineering
http://cedarbluffengineering.webs.com
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
How about this guy , he seems to be in the ball park, he is earning what we are prepared to pay.
And so it goes.
B.E.
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
TTFN
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RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
- Steve
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
Quite frankly though, it's been so long since I worked for anyone else, I can't remember...
Don't know if that's a liability or an asset...
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
The primary reason for this info request was to immediately screen candidates who would surpass the position's budgeted salary. Then the HR Weasels found out that they could collect salary range data to define what a position should cost. Then the value of engineering positions got diluted because of hiring lesser-qualified folks, but that touchy subject has been debated here many times before.
I advise "don't do it" and double your efforts to bypass HR completely and target the hiring manager directly if at all possible. If your skills & qualifications meet the need, the company will find the money to pay you. But certainly if you ask too much you'll get ignored. With today's net resources available, you can easily get a good idea of what the going salary range is.
TygerDawg
Blue Technik LLC
Virtuoso Robotics Engineering
www.bluetechnik.com
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
- Steve
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
Apologies to actual weasels, who deserve better.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
Of course you don't have to fill in any part of a job application form but it does decrease your chances of getting anywhere except the paper bin.
I do find the Ticks advice "No reason to tell them the truth. It would be illegal for them to verify." totally amazing, that may be true in some countries but in the UK the previous employer would send all your salary details to the new employer, the Inland Revenue insist on this, so they will know exactly what you earned within a penny. To have lied would be grounds for instant dismissal.
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
I don't see any reason why an employer would need to know that information prior to offering a position other than to minimise their offer to the prospective employee. It certainly wouldn't be unreasonable to ask why the prospective employer needs that information and see what the response is.
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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
It does help to determine when people are priced out of the range of what we could possibly afford based on their experience.
We also ask for a desired salary so we can make sure we make an offer that is reasonable. I can certainly see where under-selling yourself on that could result in a lower salary than otherwise.
When it comes to determining salary though it has more to do with experience and maintaining internal equity with the engineers already employed at the company. It's sometimes a very tough process.
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
I've been through a couple of job changes at engineering companies and in no place was the HR group ever in charge of what salary offer was made or hire/fire situation. The HR group sets interviews with candidates selected by engineers and when hires are made, the HR group makes sure the paper work is filled out. I've never seen it any other way.
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RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
I cannot imagine one employer giving another salary information.
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
Providing your salary history is bad for two reasons:
1) If you are currently underpaid (as I was straight out of college), it allows your next employer to also underpay since they see you already make very little.
2) If you are overpaid (and willing to take less), it means that many companies that you would like to work for won't even consider you. And there are many good reasons why you might be willing to work for less money than you currently make.
The company should extend to you what it considers a "good" offer to be based on the current pay practices among existing engineers. Then you can decide to accept or reject the offer or renegotiate.
Cedar Bluff Engineering
http://cedarbluffengineering.webs.com
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
Tobalcane
"If you avoid failure, you also avoid success."
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
Do your future overseer a favour and keep your personal information to yourself, unless it's related to your future servitude. The only question worth answering is how much you want for the job.
ex-corus (semi-detached)
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
Good luck,
Latexman
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
"Good to know you got shoes to wear when you find the floor." - Robert Hunter
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
I avoid any salary questions unless they just won't let it drop. I remember putting my current salary on an application. The hiring manager brought me in for an interview, and towards the end of the interview told me that it was more than the position was paying. My jaw dropped. Thanks for wasting my time.
I have always tried to get 15 to 20% more at a new job. You will certainly have to wait close to two years (depending on when you were hired) before getting a raise. And most places might only give you 2 or 3% anyways so it is good to get that money up front.
I have always provided a salary history if the ad asks for one, but it is rare, at least in my experience, that it is required. But again, it depends how much I want to make.
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
I would really like to return to my previous location. While a prospective employer may be interested in my current salary, the raw value doesn't equate to the same type or level of position in that area. I could, in fact, accept a considerably lower salary and be still better off financially.
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
drawn to design, designed to draw
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
I never refused to give prior earnings, but it can have a depressing effect on offers. Do we need to inflate the truth?
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
I asked her because someone mentioned above that it's illegal for a prospective employer to verify your salary with a current employer. She said that is only true to an extent. Once you give a prospective employer permission to contact your current (or last employer), your salary is fair game.
Not that I would lie about it anyway, but that should take fluffing it up off the table for anyone. That's surely the quickest way to not be considered for the job. She did also say, however, that they have never asked a current (or previous) employer for salary information.
Maybe it's just me, but I find it a bit distasteful that they would ask you for your salary history (not requirements), but not provide a salary range for the position. After all, if it's about weeding out people who are going to be too expensive, why not show a little courtesy and not have people waste time on a position in which the upper end of the salary range doesn't meet their requirements?
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
Tobalcane
"If you avoid failure, you also avoid success."
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
I applied for a job a few years ago and during the interview they asked me the range of salary I was looking for.
I don't remeber exactly what I said, but I think it was 70-75k. This was more than I made at the time (which I didn't tell them) but I also explained that it would depend on the entire compensation package to include vacation/holiday pay, insurance costs etc.
They felt I was too expensive and hired someone else. I know this is the case because I called back and this is what the HR guy told me.
No harm done I took another job. Fast forward a year and we hired a new engineer, he was the guy that this other company had hired. Turns out he wasn't very good and my company let him go too, but not a month after this guy started with us, I got an email from the mystery company.
Truth be told they probably could have had me for less than 70k at the time, but they didn't make an offer at all and just hired the cheap guy and it didn't work out. I am glad they didn't because getting the right person is much more important that a couple thousand dollars IMHO and I don't want to work for someone that doesn't already know that.
If there is ever any question, the fuller beer is mine.
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
-- MechEng2005
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
When asked for what I would want, I deflect with "I am assessing my needs, and feel it is a portion of the total benefits package. Do you have a salary range in mind for the position?"
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
All's looking good, two interviews, promises that a written offer was coming, then they asked via email what my current salary was.
I emailed back that it was irrelevant, but this is what I'm expecting to get from you.
And that's the end of our communication, they never got back to me.
I guess you've got to pick your battles. I ended up with a 20% increase with my current employer so it wasn't a big loss.
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
I disagree. You have as much leverage as you are prepared to push for. The only time I was unemployed I ended up taking a very enjoyable job for about a 30% pay rise.
Cheers
Greg Locock
New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
Depending on your field and market conditions, I agree with you. My experience is in Land Development. Everyone I interviewed with was very interested with the length of time that I have been unemployed for which I believe they used to determine the amount of leverage they have. My last job offer was for 20% less then I was previously making. When I tried to negotiate even a little, I was told that their offer is still more then unemployment pays and that I should be happy having any job. I start next Monday.
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
That sucks. Talk about being taken advantage of. I hope you keep looking and jump ship when you get a reasonable offer. To actually say, "It's more than unemployment".......... could they be any more explicit in taking advantage of you? That pisses me off for you!!!
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
-Kirby
Kirby Wilkerson
Remember, first define the problem, then solve it.
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
Under those circumstances the employer was very anxious for you not, to let other employees know, even remotely, what you were making. It is interesting that it does not work the other way around. When you tell the employer it is none of his business, you usually end up not getting the job.
I freely admit that as an employer I used the same tactics of under offering and salary selection to get what I thought were the best qualified people at the best rate for me. If the guy/gal is decent you can always give more, it is a bit difficult when they start at the top of the pay range and you find you are not making money off them. Right now the job market is slack and employers have easy pickings. It is a good time to note which companies treat employees right, and which ones are obnoxious, because now they will be at their worst. However the pendulum swings both ways.
B.E.
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
Look at McDonald's restaurants, they have built an empire doing just that. I am sure that more than one Engineer posting on this forum, has worked at McDonald's to get some quick cash before moving on to greater things.
B.E.
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
Burger King!!
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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
Another of the same breed, home to starving students working their way through college.
(Sign posted in bathroom "Flush twice, Burger King is a block away")
B.E.
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
drawn to design, designed to draw
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
Its even more interesting when its a web application program that requires input. Didn't like it, but I ended up rounding up and proceeded. I can't imagine what variations they get from these forms, but I'd love to see. Someone on the other thread even postulated they sell the data to the salary websites !?!
From the above stories, its clear that these HR "tactics" can backfire on the companies that use them, so its seems like a questionable practice at best.
But, then, consider the source. We all know a few engineers who do some pretty boneheaded things, and some of them are in charge of engineering organizations. Should it be any surprise, then, that some HR groups use distasteful tactics that might not result in hiring the best people for the job?
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
What does F.A. stand for assuming you can spell it out in this forum?
Tunalover
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
The 'A' stands for 'All'. You can possibly guess what the other letter signifies.
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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
Cheers
Greg Locock
New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
i didnt get hired =(
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
ex-corus (semi-detached)
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
Just out of curiosity, what in the world does your credit history have to do with your competency as an engineer? Did they tell you why this was important to them? Of everything I've heard on this forum, I think that takes the cake.
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
Basically, these HR professionals are going to go all KGB/CIA on prospective hires until they can't get anyone willing/desperate enough to submit - or the law/government intervenes.
Pee here, put your social security number on this form, give us personal and professional references, current salary, list all social networks and handles, report to the local precinct to be fingerprinted, go here for a medical exam - yes, I've seen and submitted to this all. What's a guy to do when you want/need a job?
I heard talk in the news of a bill to ban the credit check. But alas, it wasn't based on privacy, it was because it would make it harder for people to get off of unemployment. Here's a link:
http://
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
for the record though "credit check" wasnt the reason why i didnt get the job.. another engineer was
RE: Are companies really requesting salary histories?
On a similar note, I reverse the situation on employment agents who asks for a salary expectation or day rate, asking them what is being paid. Confidentially most will say what the incumbent workers are on, saving all a lot of time wasting.
I genuinely believe most employers are not out to screw you for a few dollars and will pay what the market rate is, but in one job that I took in desparation, the company had recruited a bunch of verge-of-retirement expats who wanted to defer their retirement and were working for peanuts, thus lowering the bar for the rest of us. I believe in naming and shaming - Ipedex from France was that company.