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Ask HN: Which Employers Request Current Salary Prior/During/Post Interview, Why?

by onaclov2000 on 11/6/14, 6:56 PM with 12 comments

• by ApolloRising on 11/6/14, 10:09 PM

  You can state the number you are currently seeking. It really does not matter what you made before but rather what you are willing to accept now.

• by JSeymourATL on 11/7/14, 5:20 PM

  Nothing dishonest in the compensation question, it's a long-held standard practice in the US. But asking correctly requires a certain sensitivity, transparency, and professional finesse.

  Part of the hiring criteria is finding qualified candidates within a given budget range. It's not about trying to get someone on the cheap. Often employers will pay significantly more to recruit a top candidate.

  Basically, they want to know if they can afford you. It's also a quick way for an employer to gauge the current broader talent market. Is their comp plan competitive/attractive? Should they go up market or down market to find the right people?

  It's entirely fair to ask the recruiter to share the anticipated compensation band/benefits/perks,etc...

• by onaclov2000 on 11/6/14, 6:58 PM

  I've spoken to a few recruiters in the past and it seems like requesting current salary is a trend I'm seeing more frequently. I find it frustrating, and a little unethical (to me). I was wondering how common it was, and/or what companies are known to do it?

• by loumf on 11/6/14, 7:23 PM

  The best case is that they are doing it to get an idea of whether they should be pursuing you or not (if prior). You should politely decline.