July 2004

Career Tip

There could be a high-risk moment in an interview when you are asked, "What is your current or most recent salary?" Based on your response, a company could try to penalize you or screen you out.

If you don't want to be shut out of the hiring process because your salary was high in the past, here's the strategy that you should implement: delay salary discussions until you have been offered the position.

Why?

If your current (or most recent) salary is close to or higher than the salary being offered, the interviewer might assume that you won't accept a lower salary. Don't allow the interviewer's assumption to derail your interview and chance for a great job.

Delaying salary discussions allows you to implement negotiating leverage if a company has decided that you are the prime candidate and want to hire you.

Response Strategy for the question, "What's Your Current Salary?"

Say something such as: "I am (was) paid well and in line with job market conditions at the time." Indicate that you are willing to discuss specific salary issues a bit later in the hiring process and that you can also provide salary verification, if requested. Let your interviewer know that you are interested in the position and would appreciate being offered the best salary possible, based on your skills and experience.

Do you need help with salary negotiations or with the entire interview process? Contact Julie Swaner, Alumni Career Counselor, at (801) 585-5036 or by email at: jswaner@sa.utah.edu.

U-News & Views © 2004 - An online publication
by the University of Utah Alumni Association
Questions? Concerns? Contact Linda Marion, editor
(801-587-7837; lmarion@alumni.utah.edu)