How to Handle a Salary History Question in English
Learn the English phrases for redirecting a salary history question toward your target range, including where it's legally restricted.
Being asked what you currently earn can anchor your next offer to a number that’s too low, especially if you were underpaid before. This guide gives you the English for redirecting the conversation to your target range instead, while staying polite and professional.
Redirecting Politely
Shift the focus to what you’re looking for, not what you’ve earned before.
- “I’d prefer to focus on the value I’d bring to this role and what a fair range looks like for it, rather than my current salary.”
- “My current compensation reflects a different scope of responsibility — I think it’s more useful to talk about the target range for this specific role.”
- “Rather than anchor to my past salary, could we talk about the budgeted range for this position?”
Asking About the Range First
Turn the question back toward the employer’s expectations.
- “Before I share a number, could you tell me the budgeted range for this role?”
- “What range has been approved for this position, so we can see if it aligns with what I’m looking for?”
- “I’m happy to have this conversation once I understand roughly where the role is banded.”
Citing Legal Restrictions
In jurisdictions where salary history questions are restricted, you can note this directly and professionally.
- “I believe salary history questions aren’t permitted under [state/region] law for this type of role — I’d rather focus on the target range instead.”
- “I’d prefer not to disclose that, and I understand that’s consistent with the pay transparency rules that apply here.”
Giving a Target Range Instead
If pressed, offer your expectation rather than your history.
- “Based on my research and experience, I’m targeting a range of [range] for a role at this level.”
- “What I’m looking for is [range], based on the scope described in the job posting — does that align with your budget?”
- “I’d rather anchor to market rate for this role and my experience than to a number from a previous job with a different scope.”
Handling Repeated Pressure
If the recruiter keeps pushing, stay firm without becoming combative.
- “I want to be transparent that I’m not going to share that number, but I’m very open to discussing what would work for both of us within the role’s range.”
- “I understand you’re trying to gauge fit — I think the target range I gave you is the most useful information for that.”
Vocabulary Reference
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Anchor | A reference point (like a past salary) that unintentionally sets expectations low |
| Banded | Assigned to a specific salary range tier for a role or level |
| Pay transparency | Laws or policies requiring salary ranges to be disclosed to candidates |
| Target range | The compensation range you’re aiming for, based on market research |
| Scope | The responsibilities and seniority level associated with a role |
Key Takeaways
- Redirect salary history questions toward the target range for the role rather than disclosing past pay.
- Try asking for the employer’s budgeted range before offering any number yourself.
- Where relevant, you can note that salary history questions may be legally restricted in your jurisdiction.
- If pressed, give a target range grounded in market research rather than your salary history.
- Stay polite but firm if the question is repeated — you’re not obligated to disclose past compensation.