What Are Ethical Ways to Answer Salary History Questions?

You are at some point in your interview where things are going well, and then suddenly the recruiter hits with, "So, what was your last salary package?"

Wait — do you know, is it even legal for them to ask?
If you follow labor law trends, you might be aware that Minnesota passed some pretty significant changes in 2023, and a lot of them became active beginning January 1, 2024.
They banned the inquiry on pay history — with a lot of reasons. So, it can't be a legal question, I guess.

Because sometimes this question can stir up a lot of emotion — like if your previous salary doesn't reflect your actual value, or if you have changed industries or profiles.

But relax — jobkhojna.com always got your back! Whether you are searching for a job opportunity or some information regarding your interview, just remember us with your closed eyes, and we will appear in your search automatically!

Now let's brag less and discuss more about those ethical ways to answer salary history questions.

💡 So... How Do You Answer Ethically?

1️⃣ Shift the Focus to Your Expectations

You can start saying something like:
"Based on my skills and experience, I am expecting a salary within the range of X to Y. Can we discuss whether this aligns with the company's budget?"

This way, you have turned the question from past digging to what you are looking for now.
This is the tactful way to answer without overlooking their question entirely.

2️⃣ Let Them Know You Are Not Comfortable Sharing

If you are feeling like the question is a little intrusive, then it's totally okay to say things like:
"I would prefer to keep my compensation private. I am happy to discuss what I am looking for in this role, according to my skills, expertise, and the industry range for the role."

This is the respectful, direct, and cooperative way to shut down this conversation.

3️⃣ Use Market Research to Your Advantage

If you are thinking about switching industries, stepping up to a higher role, or even felt underpaid in your last role, then do take this step.

Clearly confirm that your past compensation was below market due to company structure, but highlight that you have done thorough research, which shows a fair range for that particular role is (from this to that).

Now, this is giving you more control over the conversation.

4️⃣ Highlight Your Value

Emphasize your skills, qualifications, and achievements, and explain how they are aligning with the job requirements.
This can help shift the focus from your salary history to your value as a candidate.

🟢 Conclusion

Navigating your salary history questions is not easy, and that is why it's important to think about this ahead of time.

At the end of the day, you don't have to justify yourself on the basis of your past salary — which feels like your worth is going to be defined based on what someone else used to pay you.

You have grown and leveled up, so from now on, your salary should reflect what you bring to the table now.

So, whenever you get asked this, take a breath, remember your worth, and take the conversation in a direction that makes you feel valued!

Hope you are now able to tackle this question perfectly, and if you are searching for some new and better opportunity, you can visit jobkhojna.com to explore the job that satisfies your expectations — and get listings that match your skills and experience, in one search!