It is the moment every job seeker dreads. The interview is going great, and then the human resources manager leans in and asks, “So, what are you currently making?”
It feels like a trap because it often is. As a career coach, I see everyday people struggle with this question all the time. Giving up your current pay can seriously hurt your chances of getting the big pay bump you deserve.
Here is exactly why this question is so dangerous, along with simple, actionable scripts you can use to answer it without ruining your chances at a fair offer.
Why Do Employers Ask About Your Current Pay?
Recruiters usually ask for your salary history for a few basic reasons:
Checking the budget: They want to know right away if they can actually afford to hire you.
Fitting you in: Companies have set pay brackets. They want to see where you might fit among their current workers.
Saving money: This is the harsh truth. If a company knows you make less than their budget, they can offer you a small bump in pay instead of the top amount they were willing to spend.
The Danger of the “Anchor”
There is a concept in psychology called anchoring. When you name a number first, that number becomes the anchor that drags down the rest of the negotiation.
Let’s say you are underpaid right now at $50,000 a year. You interview for a new job that usually pays between $70,000 and $85,000. If you tell them you make $50,000, you just set the anchor. The employer might offer you $58,000. To them, they are giving you a very generous raise. To you, you are getting severely underpaid for the actual value of the job.
This is especially harmful for people trying to change careers, or women and minorities who are already dealing with unfair pay gaps.
What to Say Instead: Actionable Scripts
The best strategy early in the interview process is to politely dodge the question. You want to shift the focus away from your past and point it toward the value you will bring in the future.
Here are three simple ways to answer:
1. Ask About the Job First
This makes you look thoughtful and focused on the work.
Say this: “Before we talk about numbers, I would love to learn a bit more about the day-to-day duties. That will help me give you a much more accurate expectation that fits the role.”
2. Flip the Question Back
This is a great way to find out their budget before you show your cards.
Say this: “Based on my skills and market research, I am targeting roles in the $75,000 to $80,000 range. Can you share the budget you have set for this position?”
3. Focus on the Whole Package
Base pay is just one part of a job offer. Use this to change the subject.
Say this: “I am open to looking at your full compensation package, including health benefits, time off, and bonuses. I prefer to look at the total value rather than just a single base number.”
Handling Pushy Recruiters
Sometimes, a recruiter will tell you they cannot move forward without a number. They might say their computer system requires it.
Do not panic and do not give in. An online form does not control your career. Tell the recruiter to type in your target range instead of your past pay.
Say this: “Since this is a totally different role at a new company, my past pay might be distracting. Please put down my target range of $75,000 to $80,000 for the form.”
If the recruiter gets rude or threatens to end the interview, take a step back. A company that bullies you before you even work there is showing you their true colors.
A Quick Note on International Jobs
If you are applying for jobs in certain overseas markets, like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the rules are very different. In these places, asking for your old payslips or bank statements is a standard practice to check your background.
Never lie or fake a document to get a higher offer. If caught, you will lose the job instantly. Instead, if you want to keep your past pay private, you can try telling them you have a strict privacy agreement with your old boss. If they force you to hand over documents, clearly state that your new pay should be based on your current market worth, not what you made in the past.
The best time to talk about money is after they hand you a formal job offer. When that happens, never accept it on the spot. Express your excitement, ask for a day to review the details, and then come back with a counteroffer based on solid market research.
Remember, your past salary does not decide your future worth. Stand your ground, know your value, and focus on the skills you bring to the table.
