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Okay okay - somebody pointed out the problem to me. Yes - I admit, the way
I was describing my salary stuff sounds like lying.
Let's break this down by WHAT the interviewer asks you. That should
clarify my point.
INTERVIEWER: "What is your current salary."
LIE: "$55,000" (when you're really making $32,500.)
LIE: "Oh about $55,000." (when you're really making $32,500.)
NOT LIE: "Well, I would like to be making about $55,000, my current salary
is below that."
And if the interviewer pushes you and asks: "What exactly are you making
now."
LIE: $53,000 (when you are really making $32,500)
NOT LIE: (Big grin) "Well, I am negotiable on my salary if that is an
issue, right now I am making less than $55,000. But, that's where I would
like to be at."
And if they push a third time, "I need to know exactly what you're
currently making."
"Well, I'd rather not go there because what I am making right now isn't
very relevant. $55,000 would be ideal in light of my skills and
experience. However, I am willing to negotiate based on the complete
compensation package."
The point is - you redirect the question to talk about what you want and
not what you're making. If I studied 2 years to become an engineer, while
working at Starbucks for $10.00 an hour, I sure as sh*t would not expect
my first engineering position to be raise to $12.50 an hour! I would want
a lot more. Focus the conversation on what you want and not where you're
at.
Yes, places can verify your current salary. So what. So they find out you
want a $22,000 raise. In my previous example, I could go from $20,000 to
$75,000 a year. Would that be wrong? No, engineers are worth that much.
However, your current salary may also be beneficial. If you're making good
money you might want to tell them EXACTLY what your making. But, then
again - that could get you out of the running as well.
Its not an easy game. Don't lie, but also don't volunteer information. I
am not advocating that people lie - just be better negotiators.
Andrew Plato
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