During interviews, I've always given a vague estimate my total cash compensation number (salary, plus bonus, plus any other monetary compensation). So in your case OP, I would tell them you make just under $50k, but are looking for a salary around $70k.

Once they make the offer, you go line by line of total compensation, to compare apples to apples and negotiate from there.

So for example, the job I most recently took initially offered $20k more in salary, but a much smaller 401k match, less-subsidized insurance premium, less PTO, and no free parking, so the total compensation wasn't that much higher than my old job, so I negotiated an extra $10k in salary.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don't lie...you'll get caught when reference checks are done.

Do you work in hiring? I have fudged salary numbers to my benefit for 4-5 jobs now and never been "caught".

Yes, I do.
You've been lucky!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don't lie...you'll get caught when reference checks are done.

Do you work in hiring? I have fudged salary numbers to my benefit for 4-5 jobs now and never been "caught".

Ditto. This is how I doubled my salary.

Anonymous wrote:Don't lie...you'll get caught when reference checks are done.

Do you work in hiring? I have fudged salary numbers to my benefit for 4-5 jobs now and never been "caught".

It's a dance OP. It's in the company's best interest to get you to name a number first and it's in your best interest to have the company name a number first. The party that holds out longest "wins" that battle, but it can't feel like a war.

Your best out is if salary information is proprietary at your current firm - look that up & be 100% sure. Alternatively, here's how you tango:

Interviewer: What's your current salary?
You: I think it makes sense to learn more about the position and determine whether it's a good fit before getting into numbers.
Interviewer: well, I can't refer you until I have a number.
You: I'm looking to make $60K
Interviewer: but how much are you making now?

.
.
.

See, the interviewer begins to sound rude when pressing more than two times. Chances are you'll need 2-3 deflection lines ready. Have four to be safe. There are few (and it is very few) employers who won't consider you if you don't divulge your salary information. It's your call whether you're desperate enough to be pushed into that. If you're not, remember that while interviewing: you're not desperate and you don't have to do anything that's not in your own interest.

There are a lot of threads in this forum where folks have provided great responses on how to dodge. There are some super negotiators here!

And don't sell yourself short OP. Do your research and make sure your new role is worth 60k. It may be worth 80k. Don't limit yourself to "only" 15k more or try to present that you are looking for a modest increase. Think in terms of your limits - limits based on what roles are worth, not what is X% more than you currently make. "My salary requirements are 80-85k" etc.

Anonymous wrote:Don't lie...you'll get caught when reference checks are done.

+1.

You may or may not get caught, but the consequences of not getting caught are bad.

If you are asked, start by saying that you think you are undercompensated currently and instead provide the range of what you would be willing to suggest. That has worked for me before. If they press, then provide it but at least you've already indicated that you wouldn't be willing to accept your current salary.

Anonymous wrote:Don't lie...you'll get caught when reference checks are done.

I understand that lying is a bad idea, which is why I asked about avoiding. I am worried that if they ask and I say $47 they will give me a lowball offer only a few thousand more than that.

Don't lie...you'll get caught when reference checks are done.

Anonymous wrote:If we're talking something $45k -> $60k...just tell the recruiter you make $50k now and are looking to make at least $60k.

OP here, this is it exactly. All in I make around $47k. It's not pie in the sky to expect that kind of jump? Understand it's not a lot of money but a big percentage.

Say 200k

*something like $45k -> $60k

If we're talking something $45k -> $60k...just tell the recruiter you make $50k now and are looking to make at least $60k.

In our org you'd be dropped as a candidate if you didn't answer. But we understand that there are orgs that pay low and we know who they are. I'd bet in your industry companies will already be able to take that into consideration.

Current company offers no upward growth, so I have done my time and am looking to make an upward move with a salary about $15k higher than current. My current salary is fairly low so that is a somewhat large percentage but not crazy. How do I avoid answering the question of what I currently make? One of several reasons I'm looking for a new job is because of the very low pay. The jobs I am applying to are also clearly a step up so a somewhat significant increase would make sense, but I am scared that if my current salary is revealed I'll get offers that are very low and only a small step up from what I make now.