The one interview question to avoid!

By Ray Baptiste

Job interviews are inherently challenging, and it is essential to balance the need to present your best self while being authentic and aligning your responses with the company's expectations. Amidst the many questions about your skills, experience, and aspirations, one question stands out as a potential trap: "What's your current salary?"

This question may seem harmless at first. Your salary history reflects your previous roles, right? But answering it directly can undermine your negotiation power, perpetuate pay gaps, and lead to unfair outcomes. Let's examine why this question could be problematic and explore some strategies for gracefully navigating it.

Interview questions to avoid!

1. It Locks You into a Low Baseline

Sharing your current salary can cap your earning potential. For instance, if your previous role underpaid you relative to market standards, disclosing this figure gives employers a convenient excuse to offer a slight raise rather than the competitive pay you deserve. This practice can perpetuate systemic inequalities, especially for women and minorities who historically face pay disparities.

2. It's Irrelevant to the Role

Your salary in a previous role is not necessarily a fair reflection of your value to a new employer. Different companies have varying budgets, industries have distinct benchmarks, and your responsibilities may differ significantly in the new position. The focus should be on what the job is worth, not what you were paid before.

3. It Shifts Power Away from You

Salary negotiations are about finding common ground between the employer's budget and your worth. Disclosing your current salary early on gives the employer an advantage by letting them know what you're willing to settle for, but this can leave you in a precarious negotiating position. 

4. It Can Create Bias

If your current salary is perceived as "too high" or "too low," it can lead to unfair judgments as to whether you are the right fit for the role. Employers may assume you're either overqualified or undervaluing yourself, neither of which may be accurate.

How to Handle the Salary Question

Instead of outright refusing to answer, which could look like you are being evasive, approach the question with tact and professionalism. Here are a few valuable strategies:

1. Redirect the Conversation

You can steer the conversation back to the job's salary range. For example, try saying something like: “I prefer to focus on the value I can bring to this role and would be happy to discuss a salary range that aligns with the position's responsibilities.”

2. Provide a Range Instead of a Figure

If the interview keeps pressing, you could share a salary range that reflects the market rate for the role rather than your current salary. However, do your research (Glassdoor, Payscale, or LinkedIn) to determine industry standards. You may want to say: “Based on my research and the responsibilities of this role, I would expect a salary in the range of £X to £Y.”

3. Turn the Question Around

This is one of my favourite approaches. Politely ask the employer for their expectations: “What’s the salary range you’ve budgeted for this position?”

This shifts the focus and gives you insight into their offer.

4. Focus on Your Value

Emphasise your skills, experience, and the results you can deliver. For example:

“I’d like to ensure my compensation reflects my ability to [specific achievements or skills], which I believe will significantly benefit your team.”

Why This Question Matters in the Bigger Picture

So why does the question “What’s your current salary?” matter so much?  You may perceive it as harmless, but it can significantly affect your earning potential and how you're regarded in the hiring process. How you handle the salary question sets the tone for your working relationship. It demonstrates your negotiation skills, self-worth, and professionalism. By avoiding revealing your current salary, you maintain control of the discussion and position yourself for a salary package that reflects your value.

While the ultimate goal of an interview is to secure a mutually beneficial agreement, you don't have to compromise your worth to achieve the remuneration you deserve.

With proper preparation and a confident mindset, you can navigate this tricky question and turn the focus back to what truly matters: your qualifications, the value you bring, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the company.

Ray Baptiste - With over 30 years of recruitment experience, I’ve helped thousands of mid-career professionals and those over 50 find jobs that match their skills and passions. Whether you're just starting your search or fine-tuning your interview technique, I can provide the guidance you need to succeed.

If you're ready to take control of your job search and land your next role with confidence, I’m here to help. Contact me at ray@aionion.co.uk, or book a 1:1 coaching session with me to start your journey toward your ideal career.