What's Your Current (Most Recent) Salary?

When asked for your current or most recent salary, companies are trying to screen you out. This is a high risk moment in your interview process. As I've written in previous articles, your general response strategy to the salary question is to delay salary discussions until the end of the hiring process.

If your current (most recent) salary is close to or higher than the salary range offered, you risk being eliminated because the interviewer assumes you won't accept a lower salary. Don't allow the interviewer's assumption to derail your interview and chance for a great job.

Delay salary discussions until you have negotiating leverage. You have leverage only when the company has decided they want to hire you and make you an offer. In a previous article, we discussed a general response strategy to "What are your salary requirements?". When you're asked "What's your current (most recent) salary?"the question is more direct and requires a specific response strategy.

Response Strategy for "What's Your Current Salary"

Say, "I am (was) paid well and in line with job market conditions."
Communicate that you'd be happy to discuss your specific salary later in the hiring process.
State that you can also provide salary verification documentation.
Say you're interested in the opportunity and you'd like them to make the best offer they're comfortable with.

Putting it all together can sound like this:

Interviewer: "What is your current (most recent) salary?"
You: "Regarding my most recent salary, I was compensated very well and in line with job market conditions. I'd welcome the chance to discuss my compensation specifically, later in the process when we've decided I'm the right person for this opportunity. I'd also welcome the chance to provide salary verification. When we've decided l'm the right person for the job, I'm confident you'll make me an offer we'll both be happy with.

Source: Michael R. Neece, CEO Interview Mastery

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