While job-hunting, do you have to reveal how much you are currently making to an employer? ?

I have been on a couple of interviews, and this question comes up a lot. If I am not making much money, but, I want to ask for more, what would my chances be, if I reveal this information. And, how would you answer this question?While job-hunting, do you have to reveal how much you are currently making to an employer? ?
Hello JG:





Most employers ask this question to determine what salary they would offer to the applicant. It's basically to see how low they can go. If you're making $9.50/hr. and the top salary for the new position is $12.00, then they'd offer $10.50 to start.





If the position for which you are interviewing, is a step up from the job you were doing previously, and requires far more of your experience than you were using on your last job, then be confident in asking for at least 20% more than your last salary.





Good luck in your search.While job-hunting, do you have to reveal how much you are currently making to an employer? ?
This question is used not only to determine if you fall within the pay range for the position they are hiring but also to verify your honesty. This is a reference question that they are allowed to ask when calling your past/current employer. If you lie on this question it can get you disqualified from the position. If you don't answer it from my experience you would be ruled out of the position as well. Especially in this market they have so many people to choose from they don't need to play games with you. Yes it may mean a lower offer but you can help this by being educated in what the position should be paying, in some cases job postings even state the range. They will usually ask you what you are looking for as well so be prepared for that. As someone else said if you will be using more of your skills it is ok to ask for more than what you are making or if the position is a step up then they would also expect to be paying you more than what you are currently at. good luck with your job search.
You could say you made x amount and now you have gained more experience so you are looking for x$?





I mean if they don't want to pay you what you were making or even more, then you can reevaluate the situation.





A lot of companies looking for professionals are requesting salary history, so they can save themselves time and not waste yours if the position does not pay anywhere close to your expectations.
Yeah, I got that a lot when I was interviewing. I think it's a question you can choose to not answer, without it counting against you. You want them to go by your experience, if applicable. However, it is impressive to show them that your experience have earned you a progressively higher pay. For example: Your first job, without any experience, you were making $7.40. Your second job, you have more experience, therefore you were being paid $8.75. So for your third job, it wouldn't be such a huge deal to ask for $9.00 or $9.50. If you have experience, they are gonna expect you to ask for more...possibly more than what they are prepared to pay...but YOU could be worth it. It's all a game.
I never answer it. Think up a tactful way to decline to answer.





I consider that too personal for this stage of the hiring process.





I'd rather not say.





I'm just not comfortable answering that just now.





They will understand. If you do not answer, you win. To the hiring person, it can be a bit of a game. They will not hold it against you. It forces them to try and evaluate you on your merits. It makes their job a little harder, but, hey, that's what they're paid for!