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This item is filed under these categories:
Money Finding a Job Honesty Job Interviews

I am moving out of this area, and the pay levels where I am going are lower than what I have been making here. I don't want to price myself out of the market, and I was thinking of telling possible employers that my pay is lower than what it really is. What do you think?



If you want those possible employers to become probable employers, you should give them accurate information regarding your current level of pay if they ask for it. When you provide this information, you can add a comment about the pay differential between the areas, noting that you are comfortable with the pay being offered in the new locale.

Most employers understand that there can be a drop in pay when people relocate to an area with a lower cost of living. In fact, if you indicate that your pay level at your present job is lower than what it actually is, the potential employer may wonder why you are not earning more.

In addition, when the potential employer takes references on you, your salary level may be disclosed. If you have diminished your pay, you have also diminished your credibility and the likelihood of your being hired.

When asked about your pay, give the potential employer accurate numbers. You can add a sentence or two explaining the difference in pay between the two areas, along with information regarding your high level of interest in making this move. After all, it sounds like you are making a move that will pay off in many other important ways.




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Reader comments

Posted by Minako on 2012-03-21 14:09:49
I am currently dinelag with this. Check to see if your company has a make-up time policy. That has been a saving grace for me. That way, you are essentially getting paid to interview while you are still employed. Companies understand about having a job while still looking for another job in the process so they will work around your schedules if they understand the situation. If your current employer does not know that you are interviewing, try spacing out your interviews. You can always say that you have doctor appts, etc You don't have to tell them what you are doing. Good luck with your job hunting!