Am I obliged to show proof of salary to new employer?

[zandvoort blue]

Im negotiating a new job offer and, after a little exaggeration about current package (10%, which I see as my negotiating margin), the new employer has asked to see documentary proof of current earnings - last payslips basically.

Anyone know if I have to provide it (and they'll know I've inflated the current number...) or can just hide behind 'that's private' and tell them to sod off?

The fact they're asking rather than believing my every word leaves me peaved tbh...

I know one shouldn't fib about current salary but how the hell else do you get a >10% increase!?

Ta.

Ps. Its an American firm.

 

[ilikecheese]

http://thelawdictionary.org/article/can-an-employer-legally-verify-salary-history/

Soz:

'It's important to remember that your potential employer is not legally entitled to obtain any specific information related to your past earnings. However, no law prohibits this employer from making hiring decisions based on the information that you provide. If you're caught providing false, misleading or inaccurate information about your past earnings, it's unlikely that you'll be hired. As such, you'll need to set aside your reservations and answer all salary-related interview questions.'

 

[hibbo'sclass]

Do you want to work for an organisation that patently doesn't trust you?
@ilikecheese is right though.

 

[Dylan]

Im negotiating a new job offer and, after a little exaggeration about current package (10%, which I see as my negotiating margin), the new employer has asked to see documentary proof of current earnings - last payslips basically.

Anyone know if I have to provide it (and they'll know I've inflated the current number...) or can just hide behind 'that's private' and tell them to sod off?

The fact they're asking rather than believing my every word leaves me peaved tbh...

I know one shouldn't fib about current salary but how the hell else do you get a >10% increase!?

Ta.

Ps. Its an American firm.

To be honest, salaries are private. You could be making $10 an hour currently, but if you are worth the job, there is nothing wrong with you negotiating what you think you are worth.

Ultimately, it is a two way street though, and you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you for the job. If they insist on seeing, then tell them no thanks and walk away. It should be a decent indicator as to what life will be like working for them.

 

[Armel]

Im negotiating a new job offer and, after a little exaggeration about current package (10%, which I see as my negotiating margin), the new employer has asked to see documentary proof of current earnings - last payslips basically.

Anyone know if I have to provide it (and they'll know I've inflated the current number...) or can just hide behind 'that's private' and tell them to sod off?

The fact they're asking rather than believing my every word leaves me peaved tbh...

I know one shouldn't fib about current salary but how the hell else do you get a >10% increase!?

Ta.

Ps. Its an American firm.

In Belgium and Holland they can't make you hand over a salary slip, regardless of the nationality of the firm. So in theory you can tell them to sod off; but I don't think they will be happy with that. I've heard a lot of American companies ask previous salary slips though.

So you've got yourself a problem.

 

[Huyton Layne]

You need a forger. Smack these yanks in to place.

 

[ilikecheese]

Do you want to work for an organisation that patently doesn't trust you?
@ilikecheese is right though.

Personally I have never been asked to have my income verified during the interviewing process.

That said, during the hiring process your criminal background is checked as well as your personal credit.

In a highly competitive job market I could see an employer asking for the information and not hiring someone who refused versus the equally qualified person who didn't. The more competitive the job, the more it's advantage employer.

 

[SerenityNigh]

Im negotiating a new job offer and, after a little exaggeration about current package (10%, which I see as my negotiating margin), the new employer has asked to see documentary proof of current earnings - last payslips basically.

Anyone know if I have to provide it (and they'll know I've inflated the current number...) or can just hide behind 'that's private' and tell them to sod off?

The fact they're asking rather than believing my every word leaves me peaved tbh...

I know one shouldn't fib about current salary but how the hell else do you get a >10% increase!?

Ta.

Ps. Its an American firm.

Are you going to be paid the same currency? A favorable conversion rate will do the trick.

 

[SerenityNigh]

Are you going to be paid the same currency? A favorable conversion rate will do the trick.

Or go to your current firm and tell them you're considering an offer for 10% more and see if they will match.

Of course, if you screw that up you've got 0 jobs.

 

[hibbo'sclass]

Personally I have never been asked to have my income verified during the interviewing process.

That said, during the hiring process your criminal background is checked as well as your personal credit.

In a highly competitive job market I could see an employer asking for the information and not hiring someone who refused versus the equally qualified person who didn't. The more competitive the job, the more it's advantage employer.

To be honest, haven't had an interview for employment in 20+ years as I work for myself, so have no idea what the job market is like.
Occasionally had "interviews" for subcontact work, but always tried to go down the fee-splitting route, so effectively price work.

 

[ilikecheese]

To be honest, haven't had an interview for employment in 20+ years as I work for myself, so have no idea what the job market is like.
Occasionally had "interviews" for subcontact work, but always tried to go down the fee-splitting route, so effectively price work.

My advice to the OP would just be honest.

When the question 'what are your salary expectations'...that's when you seek the 10% hike.

 

[hibbo'sclass]

My advice to the OP would just be honest.

When the question 'what are your salary expectations'...that's when you seek the 10% hike.

If my reading of the OP is correct, he's already shot himself in the foot.
I was being serious though about the trust issue. Subsequent posts seem to indicate that it is not unusual. Dinosaur me.

 

[ilikecheese]

If my reading of the OP is correct, he's already shot himself in the foot.
I was being serious though about the trust issue. Subsequent posts seem to indicate that it is not unusual. Dinosaur me.

I understand your point, but it's a two way street in my eyes.

Nothing pisses me off more than interviewing someone who's BSing me...waste of my time where I could be posting on GOT.

 

[Zatara]

Im negotiating a new job offer and, after a little exaggeration about current package (10%, which I see as my negotiating margin), the new employer has asked to see documentary proof of current earnings - last payslips basically.

Anyone know if I have to provide it (and they'll know I've inflated the current number...) or can just hide behind 'that's private' and tell them to sod off?

The fact they're asking rather than believing my every word leaves me peaved tbh...

I know one shouldn't fib about current salary but how the hell else do you get a >10% increase!?

Ta.

Ps. Its an American firm.

You should have told them your real salary and also what amount youre looking for to leave. Thats negotiation.

As it stands, youve lied to them so you have the following options:

1-- Tell them that you have told them your salary so arent sure why they feel the need to ask for evidence which questions your integrity.

I wouldnt advise this as you look like a whopper.

2-- Send them the salary slips and if they question the amount just admit that you made a mistake. Then when they make you an offer just tell them youve told them what you are seeking if you want to go down that route...theyve called your bluff.

Id advise this....still not ideal and the Yanks sometimes can only hire based upon a % increase of someones previous salary if higher than their internal structure.

3-- Compare US and UK tax bands and see what the differences is and then claim you would be receiving a higher amount in USD by approx 10% (pretend that you expect to be paid in USD even if you wont be).....look at when you signed the contract and see how the GBP has fallen against the USD in that time and if its substantial factor this in too.

Need to be a bit smart here.


I'm always paid in USD but i have only had to negotiate once where i just asked them to match my previous salary and comms. I think its a bit risky to embellish this stuff these days unless youre paid offshore in which case its private.

 

[Zatara]

Are you going to be paid the same currency? A favorable conversion rate will do the trick.

by 10% lol bit of a stretch...