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What is your current slary qu-Problem

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Hi, I have had several interviews lately- unfortunately all unsuccessful! But one of the answers I give always seems to bring horror to their faces.

They ask "So what is your current salary", and I tell them and they are shocked.

I know I'm being underpaid; this is why I want to change jobs. I was earning 8k more in my previous job but because of the recession I took a lower paid job. I didn't think this would be that problematic in the future.

This I don't think was the sole reason as to why I didn't get the job, but I think it is a contributing factor especially as it kind of lowers the credence of what you are saying.

E.G I've been doing xyz, oh that's great they think, and I have been doing it for £x and they seem to think something smells funny.

So I’m not sure what to do about it, this has happened every time I have been to an interview. I try and explain the situation but they don't seem to listen.

I'm thinking of including the possible bonus I get next time in the answer to the question to make my salary look more normal.

Is there anything anyone can suggest about this?

Got to the stage that i'm so embarrassed about my salary that I feel defensive about it even now. But I also think that i'm lucky to have a job-which they don't seem to care about

Thanks in advance.
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Comments

  • Mistral001
    Mistral001 Posts: 5,429 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper I've been Money Tipped!
    Have you thought about asking for a pay increase with your present employer?
  • musashi10
    musashi10 Posts: 454 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    Yes, its a long story, but I have asked on three occasions and promises were made each and everytime but never ever kept. So the only option I have is to look elsewhere or lump it.

    The fact that I have had quite a few interviews in a short period of time since applying, gives me hope that I have the right experience and qualifications. So i'm hoping i'm not too far off where I want to be.
  • musashi10
    musashi10 Posts: 454 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    edited 22 August 2011 at 2:30PM
    One other thing that really got my goat, was as part of a justification not to put my salary up was that other people with similar roles across the business are getting similar wages.

    I have found out recently that this is not the case at all, they are actually getting between 10k-15k more than me.

    I dunno, but that kind of behaviour doesn't bode well with me either. Its a bit of a cowboy operation if i'm completely honest.
  • InsideInsurance
    InsideInsurance Posts: 22,460 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Ultimately, without any doubt a significant proportion of people inflate their "current" salary when apply for jobs externally. To date never heard anyone asked to provide proof of their earnings at their last place of work. A former colleague used to brag that he was on £65k in this job having only been on £42k at the last place but had told them at interview he was on £55k and needed a significant step up to reflect moving from northern England to central London.

    If you want to remain honest then say that your salary was £Y but because of the credit crunch was required to take the £8k pay cut after being made redundant (I assume) as it was the only work available. Now that the market has picked up again you're wanting to return to a role that was at the level you were previously at.
  • musashi10
    musashi10 Posts: 454 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    Thanks.

    Its also quite interesting how it all works.

    For example if your current salary is 30k/annum, will you only be considered for jobs 30k-40k? does this mean that your whole career is already mapped out by these pre-set out criteria ranges? (other things being successful).
  • Mistral001
    Mistral001 Posts: 5,429 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper I've been Money Tipped!
    There seems to be something wrong here. Present salary does not equal abilities. I think it is you that is placing too much importance on it and not the interviewers.
  • musashi10
    musashi10 Posts: 454 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    edited 22 August 2011 at 3:07PM
    Well I agree with you, but I think it is a lot of people's opinion, that current salary is a considerable measure of market value.

    But of course I could be incorrect, happy to listen to other people's views.
  • I don't really see why you wouldn't get a job based on this, surely it's a big plus (we can pay this guy x amount and save £££s).

    Would putting a range help? or saying above/below x?

    If not, try redirecting the question, "With my significant experience I'm looking for a role that pays in the region of x"
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  • musashi10
    musashi10 Posts: 454 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    That might sound a bit strange when asked directly at the interview, "my salary is above £0 but below 100k!"

    :)

    I did say this was not the sole reason as to why I did not get any of the jobs I was interviewed for, but it is a problem question for me and one which brings shock and horror etc (read OP)
  • Mistral001
    Mistral001 Posts: 5,429 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper I've been Money Tipped!
    edited 22 August 2011 at 3:25PM
    The question at interviews, in my experience, is usually couched in terms of "how much were you thinking of in terms of salary", rather than asking what your present salary is. It does depend in sector though. No way of checking up on it a InsideInsurance says so perhaps there is a culture of exaggerating it so as in effect it means the same as the salary you are looking for.
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