What to Do When Asked Your Salary in a Job Interview
Salary history questions in job interviews can feel unavoidable. Experts say candidates have more options than they think.
Being asked about your current salary during a job interview is one of the most uncomfortable moments in the hiring process — but employment experts say candidates are not obligated to answer, and that how they respond can significantly shape the outcome of salary negotiations.
The question is designed to give employers an anchor point, allowing them to base a job offer on what a candidate already earns rather than what the role is worth or what the candidate might command on the open market. Critics of the practice argue it can entrench existing pay gaps, particularly for women and minority workers who may have been historically underpaid.
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Several U.S. states and cities have already moved to restrict or outright ban employers from asking about salary history during the hiring process, reflecting a growing recognition that the question can perpetuate wage inequality. Candidates in jurisdictions where such bans exist have a legal basis to decline the question entirely.
Even where no such law applies, experts advise that deflecting or redirecting the question is a legitimate strategy. Rather than disclosing a current figure, candidates can pivot to discussing their salary expectations for the new role — framing the conversation around market value and the responsibilities of the position rather than personal history. Preparation is key: researching industry benchmarks before an interview allows candidates to cite credible ranges with confidence.
The broader takeaway from experts is that transparency should flow in both directions — employers who expect candidates to reveal financial details should be equally prepared to discuss compensation ranges openly. Continue reading at BBC News.
