The Dreaded Salary Question
Josh Doody
(excerpt)
Your job in the interview process is to tell a story about how their company or team will be better, if
they hire you. Each interview is another opportunity for you to tell this story in a more convincing way
to another person at the company. Focus on interviewing well and telling a story about how their company
will be better, if you’re a part of it!
LEVEL 1
Recruiter: “So where are you right now in terms of salary and what are you looking for, if you make this move?”
(What's your current & expected salary?)
My Answer: “I’m not comfortable sharing my current salary. I would prefer to focus on the value, I can add to
this company rather, than what I’m paid at my current job. I don’t have a specific number in mind for a desired
salary and you know better, than I do, what value my skillset and experience could bring to your company. I want
this move to be a big step forward for me in terms of both responsibility and compensation.”
LEVEL 2
Recruiter: “I really need something to share with HR.” or "We can’t move forward without this information.”
My Answer: “I’m just not comfortable discussing my current or expected salary. I prefer to focus on the value,
I can add in this position and I look forward to hearing, what you think, is appropriate.” (repeating my previous
answer)
Recruiter: “I just need to be sure, the salary range works for your requirements, so we don’t waste each other’s time.”
My Answer: “It sounds like you’re trying to qualify me for a salary range. If you want to tell me, what that range
is, I’m happy to tell you, if it’s in the ballpark.”
LEVEL 3
Recruiter: "The interview process cannot continue, if you don’t share your salary expectations." or what to do,
when they ask for W-2s or pay stubs from previous jobs (Don’t share them! This isn’t any of their business.).
My Answer: “I’m not comfortable sharing my current employer’s proprietary compensation information and I know,
they wouldn’t appreciate it, if I did. I still work for the, and I’m just not comfortable sharing their proprietary
information about how they pay people, like me. I really don’t have a specific number in mind for an expected salary
and I look forward to hearing, what you suggest.” (“I have ethical qualms with giving you the compensation information, you’re demanding.”)