Here's how you can handle questions about your salary history in a job interview.

Questions about your salary history are sometimes inevitable during job interviews. To answer those questions, be calm & straightforward, but do not give too much detailed information about your salary. Learn about the salary range/average salary for your job position or role in the market/related industry at the time discussed. Relate the salary amount you received to your competencies/skills & the company's conditions. If you had a salary increase, relate that moment to the contributions that you made to the company that caused the salary increase/perhaps the salary increase happened based on your performance appraisal result. That will add value to your profile, & it will be a positive point to consider for the interviewer to hire you.

When asked about salary history in a job interview, redirect the conversation to your salary expectations for the new role, based on its responsibilities, requirements, and market value for your skills. Politely decline to provide salary history and emphasize your enthusiasm for discussing compensation that reflects the value you bring to the position. Stay professional and focused on future expectations rather than past earnings.

It's very much important to be honest first & by keeping the transparency if you are really comfortable sharing your past pay packages. ,You should make a point that it's not based upon your past company's pay package that your future expectations are really based on the skills, the offered role & the location market standard etc. not just only the past earnings. If still the situation's that you are really pressed for an answer related to your past pay package be truthful & don't hide. Same time also make it a point that what you are looking for at the end of the day the desired package that shows your real worth.

Understanding your salary expectations and the case to support them in detail will help you when consistently pushed for your salary history.

Before going into the interview, research the typical salary range for similar positions in your industry and location. This will give you a good understanding of what you should be aiming for.

Even as an HR professional in a state where salary history inquiries are illegal, I've been asked this question several times, even within the past month! I usually reply, "From one HR professional to another, I must remind you that any salary history questions should be off-limits." I then disclose what salary I am open to accepting for my next position, and I also ask the recruiter what the salary range is for the job in question.

Understand your rights regarding salary disclosure laws in your region. You have the right to withhold your salary history in many places, so feel confident in asserting this if needed.

Understand the laws and regulations regarding salary history inquiries in your jurisdiction. In some places, employers are prohibited from asking about salary history.

I've been asked in interviews about my previous salaries in an interview. Yes, it's illegal, and you don't have to disclose your last salary. Your current salary doesn't have to equal your salary expectations.

If asked about your salary history, you can politely deflect the question by saying something like, "I prefer to focus on the value I can bring to this position rather than my past salary."

It may be difficult to "deflect tactfully" when a person is desperate for a job, or if they are entry-level and cannot defend themselves properly against aggressive recruiters. The best approach is not to get defensive or ask, "Why is that relevant?" but to place the focus back on the role at hand, not on past roles and titles. When some recruiters start getting aggressive in their questioning of salary history, a good deflection tactic is to ask what the range is, especially if the role is in a state where salary ranges are required to be published. I've also had to explain to recruiters that salary history is irrelevant because each job, title, and industry is different, and titles/salaries can be subjective and open to interpretation.

If asked about your salary history, you can politely deflect by saying something like, "I prefer to focus on the value I can bring to this role rather than past compensation."

Politely redirect the conversation towards your future expectations and the value you can add to the company. For example, you could say, "While my past salary has been competitive, I'm more interested in discussing how my skills and experiences can contribute to the success of this role." This shifts the focus to your potential contributions rather than your past earnings.

Instead of giving a specific number, you can offer a salary range based on your research. This shows that you are flexible and open to negotiation.

Don't fall into the trap of giving a specific number. This is what companies want. Instead ask "what is a typical range for someone of my experience goes for usually?" Whatever number they answer with is usually reduced by 15-25%. and if they don't answer then increase your initial range by 15% to 30% and cement the fact that your experience and professionalism warrant that number. And that you'd prefer it closer to "the 25% increased range here". Good luck!

Always provide a firm minimum and respond with, "I am looking for a role, based on my education and experience, that would provide a base salary of no less than ____." Add your expectations regarding any additional compensation, such as bonus eligibility, equity, and other rewards.

If pressed further, you can offer a salary range based on your research. Make sure the range is broad enough to encompass your desired salary without being too specific.

Emphasize your skills, experience, and the value you can bring to the company. Focus on negotiating for the salary you deserve based on your qualifications, rather than what you have earned in the past.

Companies ROI (return on investment). Use that information to show them what projects and processes could be done and even improved with you around. For example, some companies are aiming towards sustainability features or digitization or even diversification. Choose one that you think your company is currently striving towards and add that to your list of future contributions. Make sure to show them that you're going to be a good connector to their goals and vision and not a roadblock. Everything else will fall into place!

Remember that salary is just one aspect of the overall compensation package. Consider other benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, and opportunities for growth and development.

Always take into account that the company will take it as a point of pride if they can hire you at the lowest possible rate. That means if they offer you a figure, make sure it's not their high nor mid range. it's usually within their lower range and in most cases they even expect you to negotiate a higher range. Take that information into account and remember to always ask "whys" in term of costs.

This is one of the questions that recruiters and candidates expect, let's do this open to negotiate not forget that we are owners of our bias, so always be truthful.