Has anyone refused to reveal their current salary during interviews? I read somewhere that it's illegal for HRs to ask for current compensation.
This is with reference to ight to privacy and equal remuneration act 1976
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Never knew about the law but I've told the HRs that we can chalk out expected compensation later down in the process.
Expected and current*
Doesn’t it waste your time?
I had Intel interview me and refused to discuss compensation during initial calls - just before the last round HR casually tells me a figure that is almost half of my current CTC.
I withdrew on the same call.
How should we handle the question though?
Don't share the salary till the final round atleast. Whenever they bring this question keep asking them about their budget or mention that salary isn't the most important factor for you (even if it is). Wherever in forms you are asked to put, just mention negotiable/as per market standards etc. Do your due diligence in the meantime to have an idea around the salary offer for that role. If they have invested in you till the last round there's a good possibility they won't drop you only because you are expecting a higher pay. Having a competing offer is always something that would help you. Got about 15% hike on the original offer+ 1.5lakh joining bonus only because I had a competing offer (when they were not willing to increase at all before I had disclosed i had a competing offer).
Nice! I'm applying for jobs rn and this will be so so helpful. Thanks man!
I usually flip the question and ask them to give their range. Have worked almost all the time
Coinswitch is one company that didn’t ask for my ctc when I interviewed and in fact shared their budget in the first call
Cars24: Discussed my expected CTC from round 1 itself. After 4 rounds and a case round they said they had some “team level restructuring” so they can’t proceed. Turns out they couldn’t afford my expectation
HRs are just the worst
There's no law for privacy in India (only present as a fundamental right and the supreme court increases its ambit every now and then) and the right to equal remuneration only talks about equal remuneration to men and women. No law (in India) covers this.
What if you tell them the wrong figure ?
They ask you to submit salary slips before joining as a part of document verification (along with other documents). Your offer can get rescinded if you lie anywhere in the interview process/resume.
HRs another job is to save money (indirect sales agent) by settling the person on less amount hence ask the current CTC and offer less than the budget salary Though not a good practice as people get to know about the range post joining the org which leads to dissatisfied employees
There's a law in some US states, not in India, unfortunately. That said, you can very well refuse to share your current salary. You might lose out on an opportunity or two but will likely end up at a better place (one that respects your choice).
Good to know that if there such law but the same should be practiced by us