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> And I simply stopped disclosing what I was making at the previous job. What's a good way of phrasing this to come off as non-combative? I always feel awkward

> And I simply stopped disclosing what I was making at the previous job. What's a good way of phrasing this to come off as non-combative? I always feel awkward saying something like "I'm not comfortable telling you that information".

Mekkanox 10y ago
It's not awkward, and it's totally your prerogative for telling a recruiter for that. If they say "well I won't work with you if you won't disclose that info", then I'd say "thanks for your time, good luck in your search." Nowadays there's always a dozen other recruiters who'd be willing to have a phone call with a developer who's actively looking. Obviously, YMMV. As a rule, I don't tell third-parties (recruiters, etc) my current or former compensation. I ask what range the company is aiming for, and whether I'm interested or not. I think compensation is something to be discussed only between the candidate and the company. Anecdotal story: I once was lowballed without my knowledge going into an interview set up by a third-party recruiter, contracted out by the company. They were very excited to get me in - turns out the recruiter gave the company a number that was 25% less my current salary. The company wouldn't be able to meet anywhere near my actual current salary, but the recruiter wanted to get a butt in the seat by any means. From now on, I keep that info private until I choose to disclose it.
daveroberts 10y ago
One method: My employer has asked me to keep some information confidential, including its employee compensation. I'm sure that you expect your employees to keep a certain level of confidentiality about information as well, including compensation.
whamlastxmas 10y ago
You can just say it was a competitive market rate. If they pry further after you made it obvious you didn't want to answer with a specific, they're now the combative one, and it's easier to say "I'm really more focused on the compensation for this new position, as long as you're offering a competitive market rate then it's not going to be a problem". If they really need a number after that you can just say it isn't something you share to other employers out of respect to your current employer.

Mekkanox 10y ago

It's not awkward, and it's totally your prerogative for telling a recruiter for that. If they say "well I won't work with you if you won't disclose that info", then I'd say "thanks for your time, good luck in your search." Nowadays there's always a dozen other recruiters who'd be willing to have a phone call with a developer who's actively looking. Obviously, YMMV. As a rule, I don't tell third-parties (recruiters, etc) my current or former compensation. I ask what range the company is aiming for, and whether I'm interested or not. I think compensation is something to be discussed only between the candidate and the company. Anecdotal story: I once was lowballed without my knowledge going into an interview set up by a third-party recruiter, contracted out by the company. They were very excited to get me in - turns out the recruiter gave the company a number that was 25% less my current salary. The company wouldn't be able to meet anywhere near my actual current salary, but the recruiter wanted to get a butt in the seat by any means. From now on, I keep that info private until I choose to disclose it.

daveroberts 10y ago

One method: My employer has asked me to keep some information confidential, including its employee compensation. I'm sure that you expect your employees to keep a certain level of confidentiality about information as well, including compensation.

whamlastxmas 10y ago

You can just say it was a competitive market rate. If they pry further after you made it obvious you didn't want to answer with a specific, they're now the combative one, and it's easier to say "I'm really more focused on the compensation for this new position, as long as you're offering a competitive market rate then it's not going to be a problem". If they really need a number after that you can just say it isn't something you share to other employers out of respect to your current employer.