It's not an indication of
✅ their worth
✅ their seniority
✅ their potential
Nor should it influence their offer in any way. What should affect the offer is
✅ their expectations
✅ the internal salary band
✅ parity with the same or similar roles in the company
Using current salary as a basis for a job offer is a known factor influencing pay gaps (Ethnicity, Disability, Gender), yet it's still common.
Recently I happened across a viral post on LinkedIn where an executive recruiter had put out a poll asking.
"So you are in a salary negotiation, and the candidate requests a higher offer based on their current package.
Is it okay to ask for evidence?"
It was concerning that around 30% felt that the candidate should provide evidence in the spirit of transparency. Bear in mind that there is a massive problem with salary transparency in the UK, with the majority of jobs advertised WITHOUT a salary.
Even more concerning was that so many comments were on the wrong side of the debate. It was all about whether the candidate was trustworthy or had they lied to boost their salary.
Fortunately, plenty of comments supported the notion that the candidate's current salary was irrelevant and to pay what they're worth.
But I can't stop thinking about the THIRTY PERCENT that felt it was the candidate's responsibility to provide evidence of their current salary - even though there are so many factors beyond their control (such as their identity, caring responsibilities, physical health, mental health, disability) which could have led to them being paid way below their market value and peers.
I'm also dedicating the next edition to The Inclusive Hiring Digest to Pay Equity and Equality. I already have some great individuals lined up to interview - including a CEO who has recently published all of their salary bands internally in a move towards complete salary transparency with their employees 🙌
But I'm looking for others to interview for this edition.
❓Do you have a salary negotiating experience you'd be willing to share
❓Do you have an alternative perspective?
I'd love any views on this topic to add to the digest.
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