How to follow up on awkward salary discussion

manpreet Best Answer 2 years ago

I just got off the phone with the CEO of a small company, who says he wants to hire me. I really like the sounds of the company and would like to take the job. I also suspect that they will be able to pay me a good wage. The position does not start until mid-November and they won't be able to make the offer concrete until mid-October.

I've been through two interviews plus this follow-up call. At the end of the call they still had not mentioned salary, so I asked them if they had an idea of the compensation package they would be offering. They immediately responded asking what I was getting at my current job. I dodged the question and told them in generic terms that I was getting a good deal at my current job, and essentially said I'd need a ballpark figure from them. The conversation got awkward when they repeated that they need to know what I'm getting at my current job.

I planned from the beginning not to divulge my current salary, but I wasn't prepared for their insistence. So many sites say not to disclose your current salary, but I feel like I messed up by being so strict about it. I stuck to my original plan and reiterated that I think they have a really exciting company, that I am definitely interested in joining them, that we have a lot of time to figure out the details, and that I would follow up by email.

Everything was roses up until now. What should I do to smooth over this somewhat awkward situation?

manpreet 2 years ago

I think that you were right to not disclose your current salary. There are many reasons why you wouldn't want to - you may be underpaid at your current job (for any number of reasons), you may be willing to take a salary cut for the position because other benefits make it worth your while. In fact, in the United States, some states have passed or are working on passing laws that make it illegal for employers to ask about current or previous salary.

Instead of talking about what you are making now, you should be comfortable telling them what you are expecting to make. Do your research on the geographic area and take a look at what people with your education and experience are likely to make working in that area. You may also want to consider the industry that the company is in (sometimes, salary may fluctuate based on industry, even within a geographic area).

Also, discuss in ranges. Don't give a fixed point number, but give a good range that you would be comfortable accepting (keeping in mind that there may be negotiations around that number).