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Employer goes phishing
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Author:  longwords [ Thu Jul 31, 2008 10:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Employer goes phishing

From journalismjobs.com:

Quote:
If currently or previously employed on a full-time basis, applicants must include compensation information (salary + bonus + benefits) in order to be considered.


The one change I would love to see in job hunting is the end of these sorts of requests. I wish employers weren't allowed to ask about the applicant's salary unless they had already disclosed what they were willing to pay the applicant.

Author:  JT [ Fri Aug 01, 2008 7:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Employer goes phishing

longwords wrote:
I wish employers weren't allowed to ask about the applicant's salary ...


This came up recently on another board I patronize for another professional field. Consensus answers included that although employers are allowed to ask, you're not required to answer. (Although many acknowledged that the refusal might set an unpleasant tone in an interview, or result in not even getting an interview.)
Many in that discussion said they leave those requests blank and politely refuse to discuss it.

Best quote from one poster may have been, "With respect, I'm not applying for my previous job. I'd like to work for you, and here's what I think my skills are worth. May we talk about that now?"

Poster claimed that it can work if applied with the right amount of politeness and deference.

Author:  gdcfa [ Fri Aug 01, 2008 9:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Employer goes phishing

JT wrote:
Best quote from one poster may have been, "With respect, I'm not applying for my previous job. I'd like to work for you, and here's what I think my skills are worth. May we talk about that now?"

Poster claimed that it can work if applied with the right amount of politeness and deference.


I agree with poster. This approach has worked for me through my last three jobs (two dailies and a small magazine) and a stint as a freelancer.

I have left that info blank and secured job interviews on the strength of my resume. Before the interview, I have done enough research to determine the likely pay range, so I know my bargaining limits. At the interview, I have said 'Look, let's be honest. Here's what I believe I'm worth, and it's a reasonable amount of compensation and it will allow me to pay my bills. That's fair to both parties.'

In one interview, the ME actually said he didn't think I would want the job being advertised, because they were looking for an entry-level person with pay to match. I said thanks and we parted, at least appreciating each other's honesty. And as a freelancer, only one potential client turned me down because of high rates, and it was an ad agency that admitted its client would not pay anything above minimum wage. Fair enough. Still, the agency did hire me on two other projects, when it had better clients.

It's not a question of whether a potential employer should be "allowed" to ask the question. The issue is how you answer. Solution? Know what you're worth, be prepared to argue it from a position of strength, and be prepared to walk away from low-paying crappy jobs.

Author:  lfelaco [ Tue Aug 12, 2008 10:30 pm ]
Post subject: 

I think a reasonable amount of candor on both sides saves time and trouble all around. While I wouldn't insist on knowing someone's complete salary history just to interview them, I don't interview anyone who isn't willing to state their salary *expectations* up front, because I don't have time to waste interviewing people who expect to make more than I do. (Of course, if someone asks for too little, that tells you something as well.) "But just because someone asks for more money doesn't mean they won't accept a lower salary," you might be thinking. True, but the person who accepts a lower salary isn't likely to stick around long either. So all in all, I don't think I'd want to hire anyone without at least knowing what they earned at their most recent job.

Author:  Phillip Blanchard [ Wed Aug 13, 2008 12:33 am ]
Post subject: 

Late in the process, if I am asked how much I earned at my last job, I will give the figure and add, "I would expect to make more." That leaves it pretty open.

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