One of the most annoying questions ever is ‘How much do you earn?’. Seriously, who would want to disclose their package details to others, irrespective of whether it is something to feel proud or otherwise! But we all make the same mistake when it comes to interviews. We end up disclosing the salary, sometimes the truth, or at other times a slightly exaggerated version of the same.
While it always pays to be truthful, there are circumstances in which it is better to stay shut. A report in Forbes website focuses precisely on this point. The article written by the CEO and founder of Human Workplace, Liz Ryan, lists out ways in which a potential employee loses out on several aspects, if he or she were to divulge details of the salary.
First, it gives a bad start to the interview session. The employer will now start seeing you, as a resource that can be utilized for a profitable pay, rather than viewing you as a skilled worker. This will be harmful to your prospects in the long run.
Next, disclosing your monetary details will come across as a submission from your part, one that could enable the employer to take you in without any negotiation. As Liz rightly puts it, “You are a professional. Does the plumber tell the homeowner what the plumber’s last client paid him? Of course not! The plumber simply tells you his or her hourly rate”.
Being open on your salary, would also set a low bar for the interviewer. Once he or she is aware of how much you took home the last time, their perception of you will understandably change.
One point that must be kept in mind is, never ever give your future employer a ‘license to underpay you again’. At the same time, do not let him or her determine your skill set based on your previous salary.
