A Word On Disclosing Pay

The purpose of this newsletter is to create a dialogue that lifts the veil around hiring. Whether you’re a hiring manager, a recruiter, or a candidate, I LOVE to give advice and set people up for their greatest chance at success. So this week, I’d like to share advice. Here it is:

Do not share what you’re currently making at any point in your job search.

I answer questions from candidates, hiring managers, and recruiters? Send questions here.

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Dear readers,

Over the course of my career, I’ve interviewed thousands of candidates. When I ask them “What are your salary expectations?” A majority of candidates—I’m talking nearly 80%—respond with “Well … I’m currently making $X, so I’d like to make around that much or higher.” They tell me their current pay instead of answering the question.?

Get comfortable with the verbiage needed to answer that question:

“My expectation is $Y.” Full stop.

Because your current salary is completely irrelevant to what your expectations are, so leave it out.?

Your salary expectations should be based on three things:

• Your experience level
• The responsibilities and duties of the role you’re applying for
• If this is a bigger role than you’ve previously had

If your experience qualifies you to step into a bigger role than you’ve held in the past, you should always ask for more.

I coach candidates around salary expectations a lot in my Resume Review & Coaching Sessions. (Interested? Book an hour-long session for $195!) My question to them is “What would make it worth it to leave your current role and step into this new one? And, do you have the skills to command that?”

One of the ways you can look at having the skills to command that or request that amount is by looking at states with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act (such as Colorado). The act requires employers to publish pay ranges alongside the duties and responsibilities of the role.

I encourage you to go through LinkedIn and look at other jobs for a good starting point. While you search, ask yourself, “What are the roles I want paying right now?” and take notes!

Your current salary shouldn't dictate what your next role pays because so many things have changed:

• Your experience level has changed.
• The cost of living has changed
• The market has changed.

Always always always adjust your salary expectations to accommodate your growth as well as the current job market.

Signing off,

Sylvia Torres

TL;DR

Never tell a hiring manager or recruiter what you’re currently making because it’s irrelevant to the role you’re applying for.?

Your salary expectation should be based on?

• The market
• Your experience level
• The responsibilities and duties of the new role

Topics around "Salary" can be harder for some of us to talk about. If you want help with it, consider my Resume Review & Coaching for $195. It’s an hour-long session where I coach you through your resume, career goals, and salary expectations.?

What interview questions are you unsure of how to answer? Send questions (or any general hiring questions) for publication here.