Job Candidates Can Decline to Disclose Current Salary, Experts Advise

Job seekers are under no compulsion to disclose their existing salary details to prospective employers, according to employment experts. While some companies may ask about current remuneration, applicants have options to circumvent providing this information directly.

Recruitment professionals indicate that employers often seek this data to gauge a candidate's market value or to align offers with their existing pay structure. However, sharing this sensitive information can disadvantage applicants, potentially leading to lower salary offers than they might otherwise command.

Instead of a direct answer, candidates are advised to redirect the conversation towards their salary expectations for the new role. Emphasising the value they bring to the position and researching typical salary ranges for similar roles can empower applicants to negotiate more effectively. Providing a salary range, rather than a specific figure, can also be a strategic approach, allowing for flexibility during negotiations.

Some jurisdictions, particularly in the United States, have even implemented legislation prohibiting employers from asking about past salary history, aiming to address pay equity issues. While no such comprehensive legislation currently exists in the UK, the principle remains that salary history is often irrelevant to the value a candidate can offer a new employer.