Citing pay as a reason to move on from a company

manpreet Best Answer 2 years ago

Let us say you've applied to a job, and the employer calls back with a phone interview. When employers ask you about why you're moving on from your current company, is it considered bad to reply "I'm looking for higher compensation than my current company" as one of your reasons?. I'm concerned this might come off as "being greedy" or "being fixated on money".

To add to that, let's assume the current company is providing compensation way below current market rate (like 10-20K). Would that assumption justify citing pay as one of your reasons to move on?

manpreet 2 years ago

You are right to be concerned with how this will look. Don't say that they don't pay you enough, and especially don't say that your pay doesn't cover your expenses, which sounds like your problem (inability to live within your means).

Here are two approaches you can use (not together):

• You're concerned about the financial well-being of your employer. They've had to (choose all that apply:) lay people off, freeze salaries, cut benefits.

• Your current employer does not offer opportunities for you to advance. (Higher-grade positions generally have higher salaries.) If you use this, be prepared to talk about career goals, not just financial goals, that are not being met.

I've heard both of these from candidates and used the latter, and I haven't seen problems.