Salary History

[chrissie3416]

Has anyone ever had to write one? I never have before and a job that I am extremely interested in requires one when you apply. I want to be sure I format it correctly. TIA!

[turtle1120]

Nope, I haven't. And honestly, I don't know if I could do it accurately. I have been asked more than once what I made at my last job, which I always state that it's more than I really did. They would have no way (legally) to find that info out on their own.

[formerlyak]

I certainly wouldn't lie about it to try and get a better offer, as turtle suggests. They actually could find that information out on their own in several industries, as it is public record. For example, when I worked for the State, anyone could Google my name and "salary" and know what I made. Also, assuming you are staying in the same industry, they will know if you are inflating things based on norms for your industry. And no one wants to hire someone who lies on their resume.

When I have had to list it, I usually just add it to my resume under the job title. Unless they specifically ask for it to be a separate document.

[turtle1120]

Oct 18, 2012 11:45:43 GMT -5 formerlyak said:

I certainly wouldn't lie about it to try and get a better offer, as turtle suggests. They actually could find that information out on their own in several industries, as it is public record. For example, when I worked for the State, anyone could Google my name and "salary" and know what I made. Also, assuming you are staying in the same industry, they will know if you are inflating things based on norms for your industry. And no one wants to hire someone who lies on their resume.

When I have had to list it, I usually just add it to my resume under the job title. Unless they specifically ask for it to be a separate document.

If you're not working for the government or in the public sector, there's really no way for a company to find this out unless maybe you're on the board of directors or an officer in a publically held company. Your former employers won't and can't release the information for legal reasons. I've never made it a completely unreasonable figure, but I've padded it a little to help ensure I get the raise I'm looking for when changing companies.

And when I say, I couldn't accurately give a salary history it's because I've been in the workforce for a while. I honestly don't remember the exact figures I was making at my past jobs. I have a ballpark idea, but I couldn't say with certainty.

[letyourselfgo]

I have had to....and since the most I've ever made (without a degree....which I am currently slaving away at) is the equivalent of 28k, it wasn't an impressive document at all. But, it did end up allowing me to negotiate to a higher figure than originally offered at a subsequent job, which was nice.

I am so looking forward to finishing school so that I can finally make $35k a year + benefits. Maybe.

[explorer2001]

There was a post not long ago on MM. You might want to check that out. They are more geared for this.

[Deleted]

I've always padded it a little bit to get a better offer. In my field, there is a range but every hospital varies a little and experience accounts for something as well.