The Big Money Question

Okay, I realize telling an almost-stranger how much money you're making is uncomfortable for some folks.  And I realize that some other folks have this idea that all recruiters and/or hiring managers are trying to get you on board for the least money possible.  I'm here to tell you two things:

1.  Become comfortable with it.
2.  That's a bunch of malarkey.

I preface making these statements only if the recruiter(s) you are or have worked with are of quality and doing the stellar job we are supposed to do - both the corporate and firm recruiters.  We need to know what your compensation currently is in order to determine if the company can afford to hire you with or without an increase in salary, that's the bottom line.  There are no secrets here, there are no clandestine plans.  If your current salary is too high, we'll let you know.  If it's close to the top of the salary range, we'll let you know.  It's up to you to make the decision to move forward - if it's a role you really want to take on or a company you are totally jazzed about joining, you may want to consider a lateral financial move or just a slight increase.  If you don't, that OKAY.  No one will keel over and die.  Just be honest and forthcoming and a GOOD recruiter will too.  Believe me, if you try to BS us or give excuses as to why you're withholding information, it comes across badly and will come back to bite you IN your back end IN the end.

If you feel your current salary is lower than the market and you'd like to get to your market value, just communicate that at the onset.  Believe me, if you are the right candidate, the right companies are going to make the right offers.  If you withhold or pad-on or downright lie at the beginning, it is a red flag.  And if you happen to make it past the first round or two and the reality comes out later in the game (and I promise you, it will), I venture to guess the kibosh will be put on your candidacy.