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Discussion on: Should I share my current salary with recruiters?

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shostarsson profile image
Rémi Lavedrine • Edited

I do think that this a very private information in Western countries (I don't know the culture around that in other countries).

According to me, if a recruiter's or employer's attitude toward talented job-seekers is "You will tell us your salary or we'll hire someone else", your best bet is to walk away.
They do it because it is good for them to do so. When someone knows your salaray history, they know exactly how much they need to pay you for your salary offer to represent a pay increase - or even a pay decrease that they're betting you will accept anyway.

Many recruiters grew up in the recruiting worl asking job-seekers for their salary details. It was standard procedure.


Here’s how to answer a recruiter who wants you to tell them what you’re earning now:

Recruiter: So Lenny, what are you earning at Angry Chocolates now?

You: I’m focusing on jobs in the $60K range — is this job in that range?

Recruiter: So you’re earning $60K at Angry Chocolates, or $55K, or what?

You: I want to focus on my target, which is $60K. That’s the key. If this position pays in that range it makes sense for us to keep talking.

Recruiter: My client is going to want to know what you’re earning now.

You: I understand that desire because I’d love to know what they paid the last person in this job as well as your client’s budget for this position, but I understand that you and I are in a negotiating posture and that you work for the client. My salary history is private but if my $60K target works for your client, then we’re in business.

Recruiter: Lenny, you have to trust me!

You: I look forward to working toward that point. Right now we’re talking about a possible transaction between your client and me, and it’s not appropriate for me to share my personal financial information with you. If that doesn’t work for you, I understand.

Recruiter: Okay, whatever, we’ll work with your $60K figure for now.

You: So, is that figure in the hiring salary range for this position?


I hope that is going to help someone.

I read that from a very good article but I can't remember where it was, so I can't quote it.