Is it normal to think that asking for salary requirements should be illegal?

57% Normal
9 Comments

I received a phone interview from a recruitment agency in reply to me having applied for a French-speaking Customer Services position.
After being asked the normal stuff (How did I hear about this role, would I be comfortable speaking over the phone in a foreign language, hours, any holidays planned), I was asked what my salary requirements were.

I was - frankly - offended at that question. THEY'RE the company, so THEY should know how much to pay an employee. However, I initially said £10-15k annually, which could grow if I did well enough.
I said this amount because I didn't want to say a salary that was too high for them to pay me.

I then asked on Yahoo! Answers why companies ask for salary requirements and the only sensible answer said that it was a "legal implication", because some employees could potentially sue for opting to work below minimum wage, or some other nonsense. The answer mentioned dollars, so maybe that is a real possiblity in the US.

However, I'm in the UK.

Voting Results
57% Normal
Based on 35 votes (20 yes)
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Comments ( 9 )
  • drugsrbadmkay
    11 years ago

    They are asking you to give them an unfair advantage in salary negotiation. Your answer should be "I'm sorry but my agreement with my current employer prohibits me from disclosing that information".

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  • saddenedunicorn
    11 years ago

    It's the polite thing to ask.

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  • dinz
    11 years ago

    It is easier to negotiate salaries if they know what you expect as a salary for this position.

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  • Dad
    11 years ago

    The question is quite reasonable, and actually I prefer it.

    Not all interview questions are cut and dry, they want to know how you think and where you stand on things.
    ie Your 'voluntary' work can easily be seen as a non devotion to work.
    What would happen if everyone was sick and you weren't, they can't call you up when special events like the Olympics are on! This type of voluntary work, although a chance in a lifetime and should not be passed up, is NOT work ethical, it actually shows someone who is straight away not committed to the job (possible a huge requirement, as it is for most businesses)

    Asking your salary expectations, allows them to know how much you feel you are worth. I tend to give a broad answer like 50K (this depending upon position), but depends on what other bonuses? or superannuation? or medical benefits? or even company car? etc. may be available to me. ie I'd take 25K, if they threw in a car (usually being extra 10K in physical wage) and said my hours were 6Hrs a day only, plus lunch is supplied!

    Get to know your worth.
    Start at knowing the base salary for the position applied for, and go up (reasonably) from there.
    If the position starts at 15K, ask that it could increment each year by ~3K. That way they know you want to stay for the long haul, but eventually after 5years you'll be getting 30K. Win win :)

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      11 years ago

      "Not all interview questions are cut and dry, they want to know how you think and where you stand on things.
      ie Your 'voluntary' work can easily be seen as a non devotion to work."

      Actually, I would be committed! IF I were employed and there were no other option but for me to come in and cover for someone else at work during my volunteer shift, I would explain to the leader of where I'm based that something has come up at work and hope they understand. I'd then offer to cover for another volunteering shift elsewhere... companies are stupid for seeing volunteering as non-commitment.

      "I tend to give a broad answer like 50K (this depending upon position), but depends on what other bonuses? or superannuation? or medical benefits? or even company car? etc. may be available to me. ie I'd take 25K, if they threw in a car (usually being extra 10K in physical wage) and said my hours were 6Hrs a day only, plus lunch is supplied!"

      50K (per annum, I assume) COULD be fine for you, but is a bit excessive if you're a recent graduate like I am! [Languages, if you're curious].

      What is superannuation?

      HOW do you find out how much you're worth?!
      I can't drive, but I'd take a few lessons just so I know how to if I ever need to. How does lunch being supplied or not affect your salary? What about a pensions scheme?! Or unions?
      Isn't asking for a 3k increase year on year a bit greedy (Unless you're in a wealthy company already)?

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      • Dad
        11 years ago

        Well there's a few questions there. But I still have a concern for any time off on 'Voluntary work'.

        Superannuation is the same as that pension scheme thingy. Here for every dollar you put in, the company will match it, and usually more. Lets not get into these pension things that only come when you retire anyway!

        You can find out how much you're worth by firstly finding the base salary for the job.
        Each position carries a certain minimum wage, lets say 15K PA for argument sake.
        If you come in the door with other qualifications (maybe customer service? Or people skills? Or higher school education certificates, or who knows) you can expect to add a few thousand on top of the minimum wage. Lets say now at 17K

        Then you also provide other experience. Even your voluntary work placement shows someone who is good at something, THAT's worth money to employers! You just need to show how your experience will help their business. Lets say you are up to 20K now.

        Then you could 'negotiate' a wage that is appealing to you, and will help you progress at work. Dedication and enthusiasm to excel above what is required (but still within work requirements and procedures) You could expect to 'sell yourself' for another 2 or 3K. Lets say you are up to 23K now.

        23K on a 15K job is pretty good. Especially if you get them to agree to increasing it with 1. Performance 2. Duration (this meaning getting their early everyday for about at least 3months but possibly a year) You could easily find yourself at 25K

        From 15K to 25K :) Because you answered their question correctly. I say worth it :)

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        • Anonymous Post Author
          11 years ago

          OK. I'm going to put down what I believe I have that could be worthwhile for an employer. However, as I've said, I'm from the UK. You sound to me like you're outside the UK, so do feel free to ask if you need an explanation of anything.

          I'mm still not quite sure what you're getting at so I'm going to try to be simple.

          * * * * *

          I go into a 15K job. I have a BA Hons in languages, 3 A-Levels, have studied abroad for a year in both countries whose languages I studied, 8 GCSEs A-C and a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award to start.

          I have worked at a public library within my local council; within the hopsitality industry at upper-class sporting events such as horse racing, gold and boat racing; done voluntary activity for a charity shop; and as a helper at an open day my university had. I have admin skills due to work experience and a First in a Pitmans typing qualification which I got at school.

          I have been active in university societies (e.g. St. John's Ambulance; LGBT, cheerleading, judo/karate, Japanese society, French society).

          How much would you say I could be worth?
          Would the facts that I am female and HAPPEN TO HAVE Asperger's Syndrome come into how much you'd pay me if I told you I had the latter (It's obvious I'm female if you meet me IRL)?

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          • Dad
            11 years ago

            Hi 'Anonymous Poll Creator', I have only just received your reply email about 2mins ago. I suspect (not sure) that sometimes the site holds back email replies on subjects that are not relevant to the topic, or have become too communicative/debative on a simple IIN question. OR, it could just be a glitch in this sites email system!

            Anyway, what you have described in experience and qualification is good.
            You have a BA Honors in languages? Linguistics etc? But you say you also have Asperger's Syndrome, something that holds the main concern of social communications type of disorder. Quite obviously you have done well to do your best in helping yourself.

            You know Asperger's Syndrome is generally diagnosed in children and sometimes may be perceived as a late development socially. It would really depend upon how affected you are. I mean can others easily pick it up? Note: You yourself may not see what the problem is. Think of it as an anti-social behaviour.

            The 'female' part, I hope is not a concern. But things like management or laborious jobs, the employer may ask a few MORE questions of you. Sorry just part of being you and living in our world. Generally I don't see any issue with this. Plus its against the law to not employe on these grounds anyway!

            Um, 15K may be a tad too low for you (Lol)
            I think this may be the reason why you are having difficulty getting positions.
            In my view you should be applying for 25K and up, possibly up to 60K (just in a starting role at that)
            Possibly because of your youth (?) and that you may place too much detail in areas of expertise (that may be the Asperger's Syndrome issue) Its possible that interviewers may look at you strangely. One way to overcome this is to literally go into the interview and answer questions as if you're a wise old adult. A wise adult, will properly answer the question but be confident not to seem desperate or overly concerned, even if the question implies that. ie So you're a woman are you, you do realize that this is generally a male orientated business? Your answer would NOT be eruption into abuse or shock horror. Just answer the question properly. Yes, I feel quite comfortable working within a male dominated area. My expertise and skills allow me to stay focused on the task at hand, whilst getting along with co-workers.

            To me you seem worth it :)
            Good luck.

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  • Anonymous Post Author
    11 years ago

    When I asked whether I had any holidays planned, I mentioned that I'd be volunteering for the Olympics in August for 1 week, for 5-6 hours each day from 4-9/10pm.
    After that, I was asked whether I would want to give up my volunteering for work (!!!!).

    Now, I applied for to volunteer for the London Olympics in 2010 and am now one of the chosen 8000.
    I made sure to emphasise that I would be able to work at any other hours, that it would only be for a week and that it would be volunteering.

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