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Comment by raducu | Hacker News Reader

Totally different market (E. Europe) so I don't think this applies but:

I was in the exact spot about 7 years ago; I wanted to change jobs, but after I revealed my salary I was getting a +10% offer. Until a friend told me -- NEVER, EVER, EVER reveal your current salary, either don't reveal it, or just... lie. So I figured, hey, none of these companies actually required any proof of my current salary, I won't make a written statement, so... why not. And the next time, I lied, I said my salary was 40% higher than it actually was. And that's how I got a 50% salary increase :|

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Just an FYI for any one reading this. Here in USA, when Apple does background checks, they also get your saary from former employee Source: A friend who recently joined Apple

If you are prepared to lie to your future employer for financial gain from the very start, it gives an indication as to your integrity as an employee.

It's pretty commonly held to be acceptable to lie when rectruiters ask you an illegal or unethical question and not answering would work against your interests. It's kind of tit-for-tat.

(Whether you think the pay thing qualifies is another thing. But it's close enough that I wouldn't ask that question)

Had a hearty laugh there.

Employers aren't benevolent entities. You always have an adversarial relationship with regards to compensation and benefits.

I can't upvote this enough.

If I was an employer asking for your previous salary, the very next request would be for proof.

That would be very reasonable. But it never happens here, that's why I said it's a different market, and that's why I also lied. Bullshit question obtains bullshit answer.

I guess in a perfect world I would have said something along the lines "I'm not allowed to/I'm not confortable revealing that information", or if I really had balls I would have said the truth and STILL ask for 50% more.

But I feel I would never have gotten 50% without lying, which is kind of sad.

Honest question, why? What role does someone's previous pay play into what they're worth to a new employer?

Well, because at best it confirms and solidifies a low anchor for their side of the negotiation, and at worst reveals them as a liar with whom the employer may not want to work.

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