What’s your current salary?
Seems innocuous right?
Apparently not.
This question splits #recruitment #talent & #HR professionals down the middle.
Why?
On one side, you have those that answer it doesn’t matter what they’re on, it’s what they’re worth to a business and what value they’re skills would bring.
On the other, are those of us (see where my allegiances lie) who deal with candidates applying for roles that are double what they’re currently on and not understanding that either they’re grossly underpaid currently (which brings its own questions about their own self-worth) or they’ve misunderstood that quote by Wayne Gretsky about missing 100% of the shots etc.
I’m not saying people shouldn’t aim higher etc. however there is a point where you have to understand it’s a waste of everyone’s time and our role is to try to sugar coat what the hiring/line manager will say the minute they know it later down the line anyway.
Moral of the story, there are much more important things to focus on during the recruitment cycle so don’t sweat the small stuff.
p.s. don’t shoot the messenger…