Re: Questions re: previous salary

[JIMCHEVAL -at- AOL -dot- COM]

In a message dated 97-11-22 22:50:18 EST, john -at- tdandw -dot- com writes:

<< What does it matter whether you are discussing salaries or
 hourly rates.  One is for an hour and one is for a week.  No other
 difference....no? >>
One other difference, yes.  When you're applying for a [brrr, yuck, ick...]
JOB, you are seeking an exclusive relationship and a relationship in which
you will implicitly be subordinate to your future employer.  The
subordination tends to begin during the interview process, if not before.  In
most situations where you are required to state your previous salary, you are
submitting a request to be part of THEIR organization.  This makes it harder
(though not impossible) to refuse to play by their rules.

[If you staff folks are thinking this is a mighty dark view of permanent
employment, well, notice I've avoided it for a goodly while now.]

In a consulting situation, you have more of an opportunity to adopt a peer to
peer stance.  Not that agencies won't do everything to make you feel like a
subordinate, but you can decide to not to be, so long as you're willing to
walk away from unsatisfactory situations (helps to have a good track record
and an up-to-date skill set, too).

I think the difference is significant.

Jim Chevallier
Los Angeles
Currently available for contracting/freelance work
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