Question, workrelated.

[DuVeL]

So this Thursday I'm going to have my 3rd conversation and contracts and such might be involved. They also asked me to bring a copy of my last slip (you know with the money and such on it).
What do you guys reckon, is this allowed or not and how would you handle it?
 
da_Ricci got the same request also for his new work and he just blanked out all the numbers involved with his slip and got away with it.
 
Also why I'm asking this is because I've added some money to my current money I'm receiving from my boss as my coworker made alot more then I did while I even have a better resumee with education and previous workassignments...

[Luminance]

Its just a trick to get you for the least amount of money mate. Why offer you the same as the guy next to you, if you allready got paid less before and they can hire you a few grades in salary lower.
They asked me about 5 times what I got from my last boss. Though in my case I did show them the last slip eventually, as proof of my high salary at my old job (for my age/function).

I wouldn't do so again, simple... I get less now... and I really wanted that job (and without a house, I'm/was financially independent enough).

[Benny]

I always ask people what they earned previously. I would like to know so I know that my half hour interview is backed up by verifying experience and salary

[DrunkenZombiee]

Do what you feel comfortable with Duvel.

Both parties will be in negotiations over pay and want what is best for themselves. As Benny says the interviewer/HR representative or owner is going to want see evidence of your worth. I would however hope that by this stage that should be apparent to them after the interviews and screenings. I thought this normally takes the form of references and questions on salaries and not a slip produced.

I completely understand your concerns that they may just "match" your salary from your last job or even offer you less and push their luck a bit.

If I was in your position I would probably inquire now that the likely salary may be before the interview, this at least gives you a bit more of an idea to the range of what the company deems to be reasonable. With that in mind I would decide whether to show monetary amounts on payslip or not. It could go either way.

As I am a cocky, snotty nosed, youngster only out of Uni for a few years I would probably push my luck a little and blank out the salary information hoping to get a better deal with my smooth charm, itelect and blagging skills . If you were on a good salary with your last job however I would show them hoping they would match it (I don't think this will happen however unless they really want you and is very much looking through rose coloured spectacles). I am not suggesting this is the right thing for you however as I do not know your circumstances.

This seems to be a common occurrence in the workplace though these days with this happening to a few of my mates who have jumped ship recently. I am not sure what the law states about it. I know in this country they need to know information about how much you have earnt this fiscal year to get the tax right but thats normally after you have got the job and salary has been confirmed.

This is a tough one mate.

Good luck with it.

DZ.

[DuVeL]

Thanks so far for the replies, anyone else who might have some suggestions?

[Penfold]

Out of my realm of experience I'm afraid... The last time I received a payslip was in 1994 !

Go with Benny. He employs half the population of Berkshire. :wink:

[DuVeL]

I've allready had a quick chat with Benny last night on TS and he'd ask a bit at his work.
Thought you'd know something about this also though Pen, was looking for you in TS also but thanks for the reply.

[Dewey]

In the UK my understanding is a company can, when asking for references ask a previous employee what an individuals salary band is ie 22.5 - 28.5k - I don't think they can ask for the exact figure by law though. The public sector tends not to seek evidence of previous salary in my experience ie they just ask you they don't get actual proof.
 
Its common place in the UK though for employees to ask you this question on your application form - as a basic indicator as to your level of experience and expertise - though you have to be careful as people circumstances and lifestyles can dramatically impact this.
 
But regardless of that what I would do (before going for interview) is to ask the governing body for my profession what figure salary they think I'm worth with my my skills and experience and do my own homework and ask fellow professionals their opinions as other factors such as geography will also play its part ie London weighting etc. Then you know what your worth is in the market which can help you decided on whether to accept the salary the company is offering should you be offered the job. Also the company should have done their home work too and will know if the salary your asking for is fair.
 
An applicants previous salary - is an indication of how much the previous employee thought they were worth for a particular role which may differ from the role they are being offered. Even if the position is similar has the applicant developed through training/exams and has their salary adjusted to take this into account? Often people look for new jobs because they aren't payed what the market rate is because a company may not be able to afford/willing to meet their expectations.
 
That said I can also see where Benny is coming from as someone who recruits - obviously there are also large differences between the public and private sector where recrutiment is concerned.
 
In the public sector they advertise a salary band with the expectation that they will offer you the lowest point on that band, however there is nothing stopping you asking for an increase - the old adage you don't get if you don't ask is true in this scenario. I would always ask for a higher band  if I can prove I'm worth it.
 
For answers on discussing salaries in an interview - I found this amongst others:

[da_Ricci]

Duvel, just talk to the man and ask him why he wants to see the slip?
Tell him you have 1 for him but there are no numbers on it, see what happens.
 
Good luck then .

[T-Bag]

If they offer you the job and the salary isn't what you want there's nothing forcing you to accept it. Make it clear that the salary you were on was lower than you'd expected for your level of expertise. There's no merit in being accepted for a job if they only do it because they think they can pay you peanuts.

[Dewey]

What he said!
 

If they offer you the job and the salary isn't what you want there's nothing forcing you to accept it. Make it clear that the salary you were on was lower than you'd expected for your level of expertise. There's no merit in being accepted for a job if they only do it because they think they can pay you peanuts.

[DuVeL]

Did as T-bag said and I got offerd a contract which I'll receive tomorrow. I'm getting a job as a salesperson more or like which is what I was going for! Thanks all for the advices!

[Tutonic]

Way to go Pete - congrats!

[DrunkenZombiee]

Nice one mate !

[BrotherTobious]

Great work Pete!