Do I ask about salary at interview?

CCFC_80

I find it a bit annoying when at a job interview the interviewers do not seem to want to mention salary and they leave it up to you in the "Have you got any questions bit"
It is incredibly tempting to ask "You have not mentioned the salary is that because you expect me to work for nothing ?"

budeman

Hi sorry to hijack the thread but its on the same line - is it ok to boost your current wage by a bit when at an interview they ask how much you are on - do they check if you get the job and what are the consequences?

typeractive

budeman wrote: »

Hi sorry to hijack the thread but its on the same line - is it ok to boost your current wage by a bit when at an interview they ask how much you are on - do they check if you get the job and what are the consequences?

It's like telling any lie - you can chance it. There is no rule as to whether you do or don't. I know a lot of people that have lied during interview (never done it myself). One guy I know very well has climbed the corporate ladder VERY well. Over exaggerating his triumphs. He has no company loyalty and jumps from one place to another very quickly. He's done very well for the past 10 years. However I do know that he was recently dismissed from a job when he was questioned about his CV and perfomance...obviously way over the top from what you're asking - my point is that some people get away with it, some don't.

If it's not a massive amount I dare say that they won't check. Remember though, at the moment jobs are becoming increasingly more difficult to come across - is this a niche job with a skill set that only a few people have? Or, is it likely to be a popular vacancy? If so, they can have pick of the litter. As said in here, focus on gettign the job, if you get offered it, then you can confidently negotiate. If they ask you on the spot, it's really up to yourself.

As for checking - not entirely sure.
Consequences - well if you do get found out as telling a wee fib, then it might not be very favourable - the worst they can do is not employ you.

I guess you could approach the situation like this.

Interviewer: "what is your current salary?"
Interviewee: "currently I'm on X, with a pay scale of X - X. I am due for a raise on the scale in the next month, however I am willing to join this company and show my skills for the same money, with the opportunity in the future to further progress".

It really depends, on the job, company size, no. of applicants - a lot of factors.

SandC

It would be tempting but by virtue of the fact that they are asking you what you are on they might well ask the question in their reference request. It's a chance you have to weigh up the pros and cons with.

It also depends on the job. A good employer will know the sort of range which is about right for the area, industry and job itself. Also if they have only publicised the role as 'competitive salary' then that gives a little leeway also. For instance my job was advertised with a set salary. No range, just £xk. Of course this could be negotiated (this especially so when they just have a salary stated - it means they are not tied to a grading system usually).

An old colleague of mine once told me never to disclose current salary to a prospective employer. That's good advice if they don't ask, but if an advert asks for current salary details if you don't put anything down they are liable to discard it full stop.

Jobs = minefield eh?

budeman

Thanks for the advice - thing is the wages at my current job are quite low for the sector which is (one of the reasons) why I want to make the move - One thing I do have is that the everybody is getting a pay review and going to have their pay increased - by how much we dont know. Someone else told me that I could kind of cover myself by saying that the higher amount was the expected wage after the pay review...kind of not the truth but not a lie...i think : )

Any

It's different thing how much you get paid and how much is your "package" worth as well.
Last time I remeber saying - my package is worth £xy (pension, training...)
Then if they ask in a reference they would be told flat out answer (IF!!), not a package.

MandyLou66

Thanks for all your Good Luck Wishes!
It seemed to go really well, I was in there for nearly an hour and the job is just perfect for me I just hope I'm perfect for it!

I did not mention salary but the interviewer did ask my current salary so at least they know what I will expect.

I will now be on tenterhooks until next week!

Keep everything crossed for me.
Regards ML

Louise22

Well done Mandy

Grovester_2

Good luck.

If an interview goes well you generally know it (assuimg you are normal). The only question really then is did someone else interview any better.

Hopefully it will be yours and, I'd say ask above the 18k, and settle for the 18k, after all they've budgeted for 18k.

bitsandpieces

Lying about your current salary could get you fired if found out. If you're due a pay review/pay rise, though, mention it. If offered the job, you can then negotiate on salary - explain why you're worth, and would like, more money than you're currently earning.

Basing new salary solely on past earnings is bad practice, anyway - you might be doing different work at your current employer, or be over/under-paid.