I understand and as a former HR Exec, there are few ways around it. First, however, do a bit of logical soul searching and decide if you are really are "desperate" enough to really work for an employer who positions itself to negotiate pay before credentials, experience and skills. That employer will get exactly what it deserves. An applicant who accepts disrespect will become an unmotivated employee who expects be disrespect .

Consider that on-line recruiters are the worst. They post positions to get your info to benefit their businesses. Most of the positions are already filled before you get access. The first thing I would do is eliminate them from the process.

I recommend that you develop an introductory letter, half a page or one page at the most. Make it "strong" impact but short (including not more than 3 statements about your hard and soft skills; select 1 accomplishment for which you are most proud, was most beneficial to a former employer and express your sincere desire to bring that kind of value to another employer. Next, do your research homework and tell the recipient of your letter why you selected him/her, that particular business and the department of your choice. Direct this letter to the appropriate leader of "the employer" of your interest and request 10 minutes of his/her time to share his/her wisdom with you in person at a time of his convenience and be ready to wait. Let him/her know that the 10 minute investment in you, will yield the greatest return on any investment he will ever experience. (NEVER complain about the system, former employer, the market or the economy - be positive. If she/he brings it up, just sweetly say that "I understand nothing is perfect, including me, BUT I also understand that challenges met and problems solved help me discover the "best me". AND that's good for me and everyone else I meet.

You may have to do this a few times before you get a hit. But it only takes 1 really good hit! Good luck.

Nona

If you want to avoid salary negotiations or providing your future employer with a salary or at least having the providing the previous salary not mean anything with regards to your future salary you have to apply for a government job. They have very specific ranges and specifications on who gets what with regards to salary for specific job categories and years of experience. To do anything less or more would be breaking the law. The ranges in government jobs have to do with levels within the same job category and cost of living adjustments, not if you can negotiate a better salary or you had a higher or lower salary from a previous job. But if you have to give a corporation a salary, let them know that that salary was based on much less experience and education than you have now. Let them know that you think you are worth much more at a starting salary now as they will not have to train you in the career big picture just on the specifics of how this company operates or expects you to operate for them. For example what in house procedures and paperwork you will need to learn but not how to manage people or head a department of a certain type. This is just very general, I don't know what you do or what your experience is but the idea is we are in a career to improve our lifestyle, not to stay stagnant and that with each move the new company should be willing to pay for your gained experience. Sometimes they just can't due to the expense of the higher salary not being in their budget but any hiring manager worth his / her salt will agree with you and do what they can for you.

I personally do not provide past salaries due to pay equity discrimination. It's right up there with an employer asking for your race, disability etc. And in many cases your past salaries are not comparable to the position you are being considered for. Once they see your past salaries, they wil not l pay your worth or the market rate. The best way to handle it just is to tell them you are more interested in learning about the job to determine an equitable salary. And when they insist on you providing a salary without having knowledge of the salary or salary range, you need to do your homework on the company . Talk to employees, see if EEOC has any pay claims, and check the LIbrary of Congress for business info.

I am with you 100%. It is really none of their business, especially when they won't tell you how much the job pays. Employers are really encroaching on our privacy--they want criminal background checks, proof of immunization, drug test, credit checks and now nicotine test. One lady had to get a physical and they asked her how many live births she had and what age she first started having sex.

I'm in the same position. An expert in Human Resources could answer please?

Hey Nancy, I totally understand where you're coming from. I think it's good to be honest about what you've been paid in the past, but then to immediately follow up with that you're open to salary negotiations. It's a good way to get past the employer red tape. Plus, by the time you get a job offer, you're much more likely to get paid what you're asking for since they're already impressed by you.

Hey Nancy! I commented on your other post about this topic. Check out the link I shared and let me know if that helped!!