Should women disclose their previous salary? Maybe yes
Are you afraid of being asked during a job interview about the salary in your last job? Many people usually recommend dodging such a question at all costs. However, for 50% of professionals that may not be the best thing to do.
According to an article on the thebalance.com website, if a woman refuses to disclose her salary history, she will subsequently earn 1.8% less than a woman who does disclose her salary.
In contrast, men who were asked the same question but declined to answer received 1.2% more. In some countries it is not permissible for employers to ask about past salaries but it will probably take some considerable time for this prohibition to become widespread.
Know the value of your position
You should always ascertain the market value of the position you are applying for. Then think about how your distinctive skills and experience can enhance what you will be doing in that position.
Beware of anchoring your expectations to your previous salary. During the interview, discuss the value of your position. Also try to show that you are a good fit for the longer term, given the direction in which the company or department wants to move.
Having done that, you can start discussing numbers and percentages. Shift the conversation away from your own salary history and let it focus more on the future.
What if you don’t want to disclose your previous salary but they still insist? Say that you don’t think your past salary reflected the current market value for the position.
Or you can turn the question round. When the question is posed, you can respond by saying that since the employer knows the position, the company and now also you, you would like to hear what they would consider an appropriate figure.
-jk-