What's the point of asking previous salary of an applicant?

manpreet Best Answer 2 years ago

In India I don't know why but most of the HR person usually ask about previous pay. What's the point of asking this?

This is not duplicate of How to respond to a direct ask of salary earned and expectations? as I am looking for reason on why HR would be concerned about previous salary.

Is it because they wan't to hire the applicant at minimum wage possible?

if that's the case then would it be fair in a company if two people who are doing the same work are paid very differently just because one person's previous salary was less?

manpreet 2 years ago

I disagree with Snow's answer, it's not a sanity check to measure you have realistic expectations it's a cunning tactic of bargain that exploits introverted and low steem individuals all they want is to low ball you in hopes you're being underpaid and you don't realize

Asking for 20% more of what you currently make gives them leverage to question your entire career this puts them in psychological advantage, and I see them do this all the time with juniors and mid level

This is why many people refuse to talk about it none of their business Just do your market research and give them a number of what you expect as salary no need to tell them how much you currently make