Info Release from Former Employer
This question may have been brought up several times, but I was unable to find any relating info so I shall ask....
I have an upcoming interview. I must fill out the generic HR forms which require a desired salary range as well as initial/ final salaries from past employment.
I am currently in my last year of graduate school where I attend on a fulltime basis. I was employed prior to grad school for two years where I was initially underpaid. I was able to leave the job after two years at 5k increase to my start salary.
I am not excited about revealing my final salary since they may start offers off that value. Should I leave it blank...should I write whatever I want? .... which leads to my question....
Can former employers reveal information such as initial/final salaries to interested parties without the consent of the individual??
Thanks!!!
Tell the truth about your former salary--whatever figure it was you ended at. If this job was a couple of years ago or so, I doubt any company will use that exact figure as a starting point for offers. And, if you apply to jobs for which your grad degree is required, the position you held prior is probably not all that relevant, right?
If you are new to this board, the question frequently comes up about how to avoid getting offered what you are currently making. You say, "My current/previous salary is/was $W. For this job, I anticipate a salary between $X and $Y." Clearly if you are filling out an application rather than stating this in a cover letter, you simply put down your last salary, and then the salary range (always make it a range, not a single figure) you desire--and make it a reasonable expectation based on the job and your ability to fill it....
First off, you should provide the information requested by the prospective employer. Be honest about your previous salary, but make it clear in your cover letter what the situation was. One of the reasons you're going to school is be able to earn more and nearly all employers understand that. With regard to your salary expectations, write someplace that your anticipated salary is negotiable within the $X to $Y range. Having made it clear that the preciously held job was prior to grad school, the salary you were paid back them should have nothing to do with the salary you anticipate now. Moving on, an employer should not reveal your previous salary without your permission, but all the prospective employer has to do is ask YOU to being in a check stub form that job or a copy of your W-2 from that time. The key here is honesty on your part. No employer considering you for a job today would base a salary offer on what you were paid before going to graduate school! That makes no sense at all.
Paul W. Barada
The Negotiation Expert