How to answer, “How much did you earn in your previous job?”

“When an interviewer asks how much you make now and how much you want in your next job, how do you respond in terms of salary or hourly expectations? I'm hoping to get promoted to a more management job with a pay raise, and I don't want my new compensation to be based on what I'm making now.”

According to interview and resume consultants - recruiters and hiring managers regularly ask this question during the interview, both for informational purposes and to determine whether or not a candidate fits within the financial parameters of the position.

·        Be Accurate With Your Current Salary. 

To begin, you should always be honest when discussing your current wage, as this is on-the-record information that they can and will verify. If you're caught lying, you could lose your job, and at the absolute least, your reputation will suffer. So be honest, and how you respond to the next part of the question will be determined by your job search objectives.

·        Mention Your Expected Salary For This Position. 

Next, think about how much money you'd like to make in your next job, especially if you'll be taking on more duties or advancing up the corporate ladder. There will always be a difference between your current wage and your predicted future salary. It's possible that the distance between you and the other person is more than you'd like to communicate.

According to interview and resume consultants - this is especially true if you work for a company where your pay is below market, but you accepted the position in return for additional benefits, such as more vacation time, flex hours, or the opportunity to work at the very beginning of a start-up. When trying to market oneself at a higher level, it's fine to include such information as well.

·        Offer A Salary Range.

If you're not sure how much the job pays, give them a range, with the lower end being the very minimum and the higher end representing the ideal, so that they return somewhere in the middle. 

·        Express Your Worth.

Aside from the numbers, it's your job to communicate the value of what you're asking for. Don't be hesitant to express your desire to advance your career, take on new responsibilities, and expand your skill set.

Want to learn more about the same? Get in touch with the best IT, executive, and student resumes and interview prep consultants today!