Joined Dec 2003
L10: Grand Master
Forum Thread
Update on post 115. Have you ever had a potential employer verify your current income?
February 8, 2012 at
07:25 AM
in
Question
I am in the middle of a potential job change. Today is interview #2. This is a technical interview. Yesterday, they sent me the link to fill out their application. They asked what my current "verifiable compensation" is. Why is that any of their business? I only see that as a possible negotiating tool for them. If I put my current salary, it could cost me $5k-$10k in salary for this new potential job. But, if I exaggerate it and they find out, it could cost me the job. The guy I know who is recommending me for this position (and who is also doing the technical interview today) told me to exaggerate it. So, I did. Have you lied about your current income? Anyone ever had a potential employer actually ask for verification?
115 Comments
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If the potential employer feels that your experience and qualifications merit the salary you've requested then they should offer you that figure. If they feel you're not worth that much, they should offer what they're comfortable offering. What you make now has absolutely no bearing whatsoever on that figure or those negotiations. A company that demands your current pay stubs or other "proof" that you make what you say you make may only be trying to lowball you or gain some other advantage.
My friend who told me this got into a real pissing match with an employer who tried to force him to give up his pay stubs or W-2 to "prove" he was worth what he was asking for. He told them to pound sand, that if they thought he could do the job well then they should give him his price, and if they didn't then stop wasting everyone's time. They initially walked but then had a change of heart, by which time he already had another offer, that he was able to use to squeeze more money out of the first place (which he liked better, except for the HR/hiring department).
They have the right to ask for any information they want; you have the right to refuse and to provide a well-reasoned argument against offering up that data; at the end of the day it's what makes you feel right, but IMHO them asking for proof is just a way to try and whittle you down. Stand your ground.
If the potential employer feels that your experience and qualifications merit the salary you've requested then they should offer you that figure. If they feel you're not worth that much, they should offer what they're comfortable offering. What you make now has absolutely no bearing whatsoever on that figure or those negotiations. A company that demands your current pay stubs or other "proof" that you make what you say you make may only be trying to lowball you or gain some other advantage.
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I would be honest. The main reason your looking for a new job is more money (most likely). Be confident and know what your worth and let them know that. Let them know your happy where your at and only want more money and they can not provide it. If they can give you what you want then you will take the job.
Compensation only comes into negation after they have decided they really want you.
FWIW, my current company had me put on my cover letter what salary range I would like to make. Their reasoning was they had a strict budget for an entry position and that way they could quickly weed out the people that were wanting way more than they could afford.
That's the most sensible thing you've said since I've known you.
If they do ask for verification bring in a pay stub. Then if they question it say "well that doesnt include any bonuses, but I am not too sure why you are that concerned about it. If you dont feel like I am worth the money, dont offer me the position. If you are going to nickel and dime me like this the whole time I am here, then I dont want to work here anyway"
Any employer does, it's a standard practice now.
Any employer does, it's a standard practice now.
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Sorry, I don't have the energy to think up any more puns.