re: Ethics of job-interview testing

[eric -dot- dunn -at- ca -dot- transport -dot- bombardier -dot- com]

bounce-techwr-l-106467 -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com wrote on 06/02/2004 12:38:30 PM:

> Thanks for the thoughts.

You're welcome. :)

> I usually get asked for salary history, and I've
> always told what my salary and compensation are
> currently. I assume that the offer will be more or
> result in a polite end to the process.

But why is it any of their business? I actually have to brace myself for 
the question so that I won't let them see the "F-off and mind your own 
business!" reaction that I have every time someone asks.

The three 'mistakes' you had underline why I don't give salary history.

If I am currently/was previously making far more than average, I don't see 
why they need to be turned of me. Perhaps I need to now come in line with 
market realities. Perhaps I know the last job was milk and honey, but I 
enjoyed the ride while it lasted.
And whether or not I know if I am currently/was previously making below 
average, why the H-E-double hockey sticks do they need to know?!? I 
certainly don't want to have any new offer based on that salary.

If you give a salary figure, they'll only play one of two games. 1 - See 
if you're desperate for a job and offer significantly less and make you 
fight for something slightly less. or 2 - See how little extra they can 
get away with offering.

Leaving it in their court: If the first offer is too low THEN you need to 
have a number in mind. But, the counter offer should be significantly 
higher than what you would accept. That way if they split the difference 
between their offer and yours, you'll be happy. If their first off is 
high, keep a straight face, hide all surprise or joy, and counter-offer 
higher. Make them fight down. After all their first offer is unlikely to 
be one that stretches their budget. ;)

Regardless of how it goes, take all legal documents and final agreements 
home for study. If you can't leave with documents or they aren't present 
there leave with a detailed list of agreements. Then, when the documents 
to sign are presented at a later date, make sure EVERYTHING is the same. 
Fight, complain, and be prepared to walk if conditions are different from 
the understanding.

Eric L. Dunn
Senior Technical Writer

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