You may need to think hard about whether the company culture is a good fit for you. Maybe they won't mind, or might even admire your enterprising spirit.
If the hiring manager or interviewer keeps pressing you to provide your salary to a point where you no longer feel comfortable, consider walking away. Our review will help you with tips on the design, structure and content of your CV. Now, we just need to know where to send it! Another strategy to avoid disclosing your salary is to turn the question back onto the hiring manager or interviewer. Still, your new boss will know of your deception. As a general rule of thumb, if you're going for a job in which honesty is particularly valued lawyer, doctor, police officer, etc. Again, this is a good place to be prepared with a deflection.
The most important thing is deciding how you'll answer the "current salary" interview question beforehand.
Subscribe today to get job tips and career advice that will come in handy. If you are still earning your PhD, start networking while you are in graduate school. Disclosing your salary history puts you at risk of being undervalued. You can still harness the power of networking and find an industry career. No online applications, and no dreaded salary question. 
networking while you are in graduate school, Best Of Transition: Ph.D. Jobs & Job Search Strategies July 16, 2022, Best Of Transition: Ph.D. Jobs & Job Search Strategies July 9, 2022, Best Of Transition: Ph.D. Jobs & Job Search Strategies July 2, 2022, Best Of Transition: Ph.D. Jobs & Job Search Strategies June 25, 2022, Best Of Transition: Ph.D. Jobs & Job Search Strategies June 18, 2022, Best Of Transition: Ph.D. Jobs & Job Search Strategies June 11, 2022, Best Of Transition: Ph.D. Jobs & Job Search Strategies June 04, 2022, Best Of Transition: Ph.D. Jobs & Job Search Strategies May 28, 2022, Best Of Transition: Ph.D. Jobs & Job Search Strategies May 21, 2022, 20 Most Popular Industry Career Tracks For PhDs. Should you strike preemptively and bend the truth with an inflated figure? interview expectations salary I took her advice and started to build my industry network. Employers aren't allowed to discriminate in hiring, but does that mean your present pay information is off limits? 2022 Cheeky Scientist LLC.
Networking also gives you access to unadvertised positions that you would have otherwise been completely unaware of. To put it bluntly, should you just lie? Online applications will almost always ask you for your current salary, or your desired salary. Beyond that, it felt invasive and embarrassing. However, it is important that you are polite when declining to give your salary information. If lying could raise a starting salary offer, should you do it? The first thing she told me when we met was to get a job outside of academia. If they weren't seriously considering you, they'd have no reason to want to know. I worked on my resume and cover letter and started applying for industry positions. From the hiring managers perspective, knowing a candidates salary history helps them determine whether the person is likely to accept the position or keep looking for another job. But there was one annoying question that kept cropping up in these applications: What is your current salary?. The hiring manager may be persistent in requesting this information.
If a prospective employer knows you currently earn a low salary, they are more likely to offer you a low salary. She is also committed to mentoring students across all demographics, helping them reach their full potential. Pump that number up, however, and you can expect to be offered close to that number if selected. Do not, under any circumstances, disclose your current salary or your expected salary. It's a tough one, but we've got the answers to handling the "current salary" interview question. But what if that metric is a bit on the low side? 8 reasons you're not getting an interview. Inform the interviewer that as a PhD or postdoc you received an academic stipend, which is not a salary. And if they did, that employer certainly wouldn't be compelled to offer the information. Once they provide a salary range, they may ask if this is in line with your expected compensation. She was telling me that there are other, better, opportunities for me outside of academia. It's such a personal question, we'd forgive you for wanting to snub it altogether. In reality, she was telling me the opposite. The main reason for this law is to reduce the gender wage gap. From that, past salaries can be gleaned. But what if it's a trap a cynical ploy to low-ball you when it comes to pay negotiations? As an employee, your contribution can't be measured in just pounds and pence but they're a handy metric nonetheless.
In the future, more cities, states, and countries may make the practice of asking for a candidates current salary illegal. A better approach is to network and build connections within the company, or companies, where you want to work. If you lie about your current pay, you're unlikely to be found out until after you've started your new job. 
You arent ready to make a decision yet, youre still gathering information, so dont let them lock you down to a range thats less than what you deserve. At the end of the day, you are not obligated to disclose your current salary to hiring managers or potential employers. Dish out an exorbitant sum and you'll only be making a fool of yourself, so use tools like Glassdoor and Payscale to find out appropriate salary ranges for your field and level.
If this happens, whatever you do, do not disclose your salary history. So I did everything I could to deflect this question and avoid it entirely in future applications. And there's a bigger issue at play also: the gender pay gap. You are worth a lot more than the low salaries or stipends that are offered to PhDs and postdocs in academia. 
I didnt want to disclose this information because, as a postdoc, my salary was low. By uploading my CV, I agree to the TopCV Terms of Use and acknowledge I have read the Privacy Policy. If your industry puts a little less emphasis on absolute righteousness sales or advertising, say you've got more licence to be creative. Whether a company would try to verify a candidate's salary with their most recent employer is doubtful. Dont forget the importance of coming to your industry interview with your own set of questions. Not disclosing your current salary will make negotiating a higher salary much easier once you have been offered the position. Your information is secure. Going in with a planned response will guarantee you have a cool head when the query crops up. Any interviewer worth their salt will know the salary averages of an applicant's current sector and skill level. If youre ready to start your transition into industry, you can apply to book a free Transition Call with our founder Isaiah Hankel, PhD or one of our Transition Specialists. A job should be awarded on the candidate's merits not what they earn. Free insights into industry resumes, interview questions and top careers for PhDs. If pushed into a corner, remember to use the phrase I will consider all reasonable offers.. All I did was sit at a desk, alone, and work on my research, alone. Many online application forms filter out candidates based on the keywords in their resumes. Say that youd rather not disclose your current salary, as you would like to have a fair negotiation based on your skills and what you have to offer the company. This will set you up to get the best offer possible. She is passionate about educating the public about the importance of sleep and the effects of sleep loss and disruption on general health and wellbeing to increase quality of life and work productivity. All Rights Reserved. So, it's a calculated risk. Be sensible though. Our two consultants independently search for the most informative articles in the categories of networking, CVs/resumes, interviews, transferable skills, academic blues, industry positions, and business acumen. She is currently transitioning from academia into industry. teachers teacher graph experiences evaluation institute teaching students performance research student math common most development important study skills presentation focus Well get you a detailed analysis of your CV within 48 hours. But equally, you could forever be pegged as untrustworthy. There might be some temptation to tell a white lie and exaggerate your salary to avoid the risk of getting a low salary offer.
2022 TopCV, All Rights Reserved. So, the truth-benders are in the clear, right? Make them provide the first salary number. This is the best route, since you are in the perfect position to give without asking. You may need to be persistent, but do not back down. Your CV says a lot about you including how much you're worth. Remind your prospective employer that you will consider all reasonable offers, and demonstrate the value that you will bring to their company. So, how can you handle this question and avoid receiving a lowball salary offer?
However, networking is about relationship-building, and takes time. See full terms & conditions and privacy policy links below.
You are under no obligation to tell a prospective employer your current salary. Under no circumstances should you lie about your current compensation. Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookies Get a free CV reviewto find out if an employer would see your true value. In short, no. By networking, you can email your resume directly to a person, dramatically increasing your chances of making it past the initial screening. Because of this, you'll likely have to respond. a survey conducted by TopCV and CV-Library. You cannot simply say no and leave it at that. To avoid this question, you need to avoid these forms. So stringent are our employment laws, it's a fair thing to wonder. But, for the time-being, you will probably be asked about your salary history. But what they don't know won't hurt them, right? Our consultants vote on a top article for each category and a top overall article for the week if its a recent article that can help readers find and acquire PhD jobs, then we want to include it in this weekly digest.. interviewing case tips Gemma has a PhD in Social Sciences specializing in sleep and circadian rhythms with a background in genetics and immunology. State that you will consider all reasonable offers and do not commit to a specific salary range. Therefore, give them the figure with pride, taking care to highlight any recent bonuses and pay rises. With a solid industry network in place, you can secure job referrals from your connections and get your resume straight to the hiring manager. In this eBook, you will gain insight into the most popular, highest-paying jobs for PhDs all of which will allow you to do meaningful work AND get paid well for it. But I didnt know how to respond to this question. The LinkedIn tips & strategies within have helped PhDs from every background get hired into top industry careers. I deserved more than the low pay of an academic postdoc, and I was going to make sure I got a salary matched to my skill set. If a potential employer learns that you lied about your salary, they will question what else you have lied about and end the application process. Learn how to craft the perfect industry resume to attract employers. However, it is likely that you will be caught in this lie during a background check. If the position has been defined, the potential employer should already have a salary in mind and this should not be a secret. She opened my eyes to the many opportunities available in industry and recommended a few of her connections that I should contact. I saw academia as the only way to be successful as a PhD, and I thought she was telling me I wasnt smart enough or good enough to succeed in academia. It's hard to think of a trait more recruiter-repellent than dishonesty. Every week, we at Cheeky Scientist scour the Internet for the best articles on topics that help in the search for the Best of Transition: PhD Job Search in the industry. As a smart PhD looking to get hired quickly, applying to jobs through online application forms should not be a part of your job search strategy. She has experience in communicating science to lay audiences and believes in sharing scientific knowledge with the public. Often, this filtering is done using software, so your resume may be rejected before an actual person even looks at it. In fact, a survey conducted by TopCV and CV-Library found that 62% of HR managers identified lying as a major turn-off for job candidates. 19211 Panama City Beach Pkwy #1047 Panama City Beach FL 32413-8712, * By opting in you agree to receiving emails and other messages from us about transitioning into industry. Surely it's a good sign in an interview when the HR manager asks about your current salary. With over 200,000 monthly readers from 150 countries and 15,000 individual subscribing PhD members from 60 countries, we are a global authority on getting PhDs hired into top industry careers. If you are a PhD student or postdoc, you can say that you receive a stipend or scholarship, which is not a salary. But, we know that the hiring manager is working for the company, not you. s2e Do not disclose the amount of your stipend or scholarship. Let slip that you're currently on a meagre salary and the employer will hold all the cards in a future pay negotiation. A confident candidate can also use this opportunity to get on the front foot for future pay negotiations. If your salary history is known, the hiring manager can try to negotiate the best deal for both the potential employee and the employer. If asked about your current salary, respond by interviewing the interviewer about salary range. Not only does this serve the purpose of avoiding the dreaded salary question, but it increases your chances of getting past the initial screening process. You can be firm and say that your salary is personal and confidential information. Ask your potential employer what the expected salary range is for the position. Our flagship program with 8,000+ PhDs will help you get hired into the best career for your unique situation and background.
Please read our privacy policy for more information. I was worried that if I disclosed my current salary, a potential employer would give me a lowball salary offer. By then, you'll be safely employed and on good money. Throughout the discussion, remain firm and insist that your current salary is not relevant. Apply to book a Transition Call here. The potential for a lowball salary offer is increased for PhDs and postdocs, who have been receiving very low compensations for many years. Cheeky Scientist is the world's largest job-search training platform for PhDs. Keep bringing the conversation back to the value you can offer the company. Or should you take the honest route, fearing your lies may later be found out? According to a study by Georgetown University, holding an advanced degree increases your annual salary by an average of $20,500, compared to having just a bachelors degree. If they refuse to tell you the salary range, they cannot expect you to disclose your current salary.
There's certainly a strong argument for being economical with the truth. After two postdocs at two different universities, I realized that I didnt enjoy what I was doing anymore. Still, it's a lot to weigh up. Even if you avoid online applications and get your resume directly into the hands of a hiring manager, you might still get asked about your salary at some point during the application process. But, if you forgot to network in graduate school, dont worry. Research companies and positions you are interested in, find people who have those positions already, and set up informational interviews. I sought advice from a prominent senior researcher in my field who is renowned for her ability to teach and mentor students and postdocs. I had lost my passion and was seeing only a very limited future for myself in the academic world. If you swerve the query, you risk looking at best, uncommunicative and at worst, downright obstructive. If you say yes at this early stage, it will make later salary negotiations harder for you. My current salary wasnt relevant to the skills and value I would bring to my potential employer. This wasnt the academic career I had envisioned. Do not trap yourself into a lowball offer by providing your current compensation. Learn about the top 20 industry careers for PhDs (regardless of your academic background). When an individual moves jobs in the UK, they must supply their new employer with a P45 form a document detailing their tax affairs as they relate to their salary. In the UK unlike parts of America there is no law preventing HR managers from enquiring about your current salary. The answer is simple do not disclose your current or past salary to your potential employer, ever. Accurate or not, deliver your answer with confidence and hope for the best! Make it clear that you havent had a salary before, and that a stipend or scholarship is different from a salary. Rather, demonstrate that your salary history is not important because of the value you can offer the company. What's the financial benefit of getting a professional CV rewrite?
Salary negotiation tips: 6 phrases you should never use, The 5 worst personality traits that can ruin your interview, UK salary offers are rising how to make sure yours does too, How to Answer 'What Are Your Salary Expectations' Question. Not exactly. A portfolio of scientific training programs so you can advance your technical expertise and career development. All of Massachusetts, as well as Philadelphia and New Orleans, have already made this practice illegal and New York City might pass the law shortly. If a female candidate is already underpaid for her work, might disclosing her current salary simply entrench her under-remuneration? Employers know that it's a hard question, so answering it well will go far to show your professionalism and clear-headedness under pressure. As a PhD, you have a lot to offer industry, no matter what positions you decide to pursue. As reported in the Huffington Post, there is a movement to make the practice of asking for current salaries illegal, and some US cities and states have adopted this policy.
Ensure your successful transition into a well-compensated industry position with these 3 strategies to avoid disclosing your current salary.
In this eBook for PhDs, you will get access to proven resume templates, learn how to structure your bullet points, and discover which keywords industry employers want to see most on PhD resumes. I knew my value to their company was higher than what my low postdoc salary suggested. Let people know that you are looking for industry positions, but always provide value and invest the time to build relationships first. Know your value as a PhD and dont let the mistake of telling a prospective employer your current compensation limit your potential future earnings. While you wait, we have plenty of expert career advice on our blog. A portfolio of advanced programs that provide specific career training so you can get hired into top PhD jobs. we'd recommend playing it straight. These are all valid points, but ultimately, refusing to answer a straight question in an interview is difficult, however principled the reasons. However, this law also benefits PhDs and postdocs by ensuring that you are appropriately compensated based on your value to the company, and not what you have previously been earning. pooh 4vector commandments
