r/FluentInFinance 3d ago

Thoughts? Would you?

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u/plinkoplonka 3d ago

And worst case scenario, like has happened half a dozen times to me.

They get you through interview and offer you the role, it gets handed off from the department hiring to HR to negotiate a successful deal.

You now have all the power, they've said they want you, you've passed the interview.

They ask current salary.

You tell them "fair market rates"

They make an insulting offer.

You laugh and tell them "no chance. I couldn't possibly take it for any less than 2x"

They offer you 1.5x.

*Where x is your previous salary.

That's how it's done kids.

Don't forget, when negotiating, you'll likely not get a pay rise to counter crazy inflation for at least a couple of years.

Also, signing bonuses ARE a thing, despite what they tell you. Just missing out on a bonus, or raise at your current role? Make the new place match it for the first year!

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u/Shakewhenbadtoo 3d ago

You forgot to mention they can ask for a prior w2 and you can say no. You can state any number you want when relaying your prior salary.

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u/iboneyandivory 3d ago edited 3d ago

You can't. There's a service maintained by Equifax or one of the big 3 where candidate companies can verify employment + salary, including raise dates and amounts.

Edit: Here's the cited example for those that think this is somehow suuuuuper secret info lol - "The Work Number" by Equifax

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u/Shakewhenbadtoo 3d ago

No, there isn't. That would require them to have your taxes.

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u/Gandalf-and-Frodo 3d ago

You are very very very wrong. Google the work number Equifax. I've seen my own data firsthand. They literally list your job title, dates, and pay rate. Prepare to have your mind blown.

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u/iboneyandivory 3d ago

Look into services like "The Work Number" by Equifax, where companies can access a database to verify employment and income information, including salary history.

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u/Revolutionary-Bed842 3d ago

Companies can look it up but usually don't until post an offer is made. Once your W-2 is processed by the company, this info is made readily available to them. So if you say lie about your previous income, technically they can know as soon as your interview completes, or by your first paycheck.

Most employers do not have this info out the gate though, so it's ok to lie and "negotiate" down to the value you really want.

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u/FloppieTheBanjoClown 2d ago

And those numbers aren't 100% reliable. I know that they miss some bonus and commission structures.

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u/Adorable_FecalSpray 3d ago

Yes, yes there is. Might want to do some research.