re: Ethics of job-interview testing

["T. Word Smith" <techwordsmith -at- yahoo -dot- com>]

Thanks for the thoughts.

I usually get asked for salary history, and I've
always told what my salary and compensation are
currently. I assume that the offer will be more or
result in a polite end to the process.

But, on three occasions I was wrong. One was a job I
didn't want, and they offered me less than I was
getting and, when I declined, offered me a little more
than what I was getting, but I had already decided not
to play. Another was a job I did want, and I got
offered some relocation money and a salary that
exactly matched what I was making. To this day, I
still don't understand why they matched my current
wage rather than offering an increase. I politely
declined the offer, but was disappointed to do so (an
attempt to negotiate up failed quietly). A third was a
job I wanted, but they offered less than I was making
and told me that they were offering me the most they
could for that job category ... that was a
disappointing turn, too, and my attempt to push them
up failed.

Otherwise, I don't mind discussing my current
compensation nor what I would like .... Still, I like
Eric's approach.

I have had one employer be untruthful about raises,
too, so am weary of responses I get when asking about
such things.

--- eric -dot- dunn -at- ca -dot- transport -dot- bombardier -dot- com wrote:

> Really, I just avoid doing it at all costs (much
> like I avoid answering 
> the touchy-feely HR personality typing questions).
> If applying in writing 
> I do not include it. When asked in person, I state
> that TOTAL remuneration 
> has to be considered. If they get nasty and
> insistent, I'd give a range 
> that encompasses 10's of thousands but be clear that
> vacation, benefits, 
> freebies, work environment, responsibilities, and
> expectations all count 
> towards figuring out whether I find the offer
> acceptable.


=====
T.

"Money makes the world go 'round is an incomplete statement; money is the fuel, and stupidity is the short bus that burns it." (Bill Swallow-02/04)


	
		
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