Provisional Blog

Job postings that ask for salary histories can seem a little invasive. It kind of feels like going on a first date with someone who asks to see your monthly bank statement before drinks are even served. As a result, you might be tempted to ignore the request altogether.

Unfortunately, though, doing so is a mistake. In fact, hiring managers have very specific reasons for asking about salary history – and when you submit an application without including yours (only if they request it), you’re basically telling them that you can’t follow directions.

So why do hiring managers want to know about past salaries?

Reason #1. You might be wary about offering your salary history because you don’t want to make the same amount as you did in your last Northwest job…you want to make more. This is normal. Hiring managers expect candidates to want a raise. They just need to make sure it’s reasonable and within the parameters of what they are prepared to offer a new hire.

Reason #2. In addition, hiring managers also want to see that your salary has been increasing gradually over the years. If it hasn’t been, or it’s dropped drastically without a good explanation (like you cut your hours back for a few years when you had small children at home), it’s a sign of a problem.

And what can you do to ensure you negotiate the best salary for your next job?

• Do your homework. It’s possible that in your last Northwest job, you made below fair market value. If you suspect that’s the case, then do some research to determine how much you should have been making. Then offer these numbers up as a benchmark during the salary negotiation process.
• Factor in benefits. When negotiating your salary, don’t forget to factor in benefits. For example, perhaps a prospective employer is offering you a bigger salary, but less total compensation than your last position. If that’s the case, then use that as leverage to negotiate an even bigger salary or more benefits.
• Don’t exaggerate. You might be tempted to inflate the salary history of your past Northwest jobs…but don’t do it. Potential employers can request W-2s from a former employer before finalizing a compensation package for you – and if you get caught in a lie, then you could lose out big time.

If you’d like additional assistance with your search for Northwest jobs, let us know. As one of the top employment agencies in the area, we’ve placed over 6,000 direct hire professionals with local companies since 1994. And we’d like to help place you too! Learn more now.

Whether you need to expand your job search to get ahead, or simply want to make a move to a new city, finding a job in a location different from your current one can be a challenge. Even though it’s not ideal, it can certainly be done. Here’s how:

1. Research possible locations.

If you know you really need to move in order to get a good job, don’t just randomly select a location. Put some thought into it. Just because a city has a lot of opportunity in one area or industry, doesn’t mean it has a lot of opportunity in your field. So do some research ahead of time and select cities where you think you can truly advance your career.

2. Reach out to your network.

Once you know the areas you’re interested in, then reach out to anyone you know who lives in those cities. Not only will they be able to offer you plenty of tips and advice on the economy there, as well as the top employers, but they can also keep their eyes open for any job leads.

3. Let employers know you will pay relocation costs.

Some employers do pay for relocation costs if you have skills that are highly specialized or in high demand. However, if you don’t, then prospective employers will only see dollar signs when they look at your resume. So be upfront about the fact that you will not only pay for the cost to relocate, but also pay for travel costs if you score an interview.

4. Get a local phone number.

If you have one particular city you know you want to move to, get a new cell phone for that area with a local number. Prospective employers will be more willing to call you as a result.

5. Include your target move date on your resume.

Employers are always wary of hiring people outside the area. They’re fearful you’ll change your mind at the last minute. To assuage those fears, include a target move date if you have one. That way, they will know you’re serious about moving.

6. Register with local employment agencies.

Employment agencies can be especially helpful if you’re conducting a job search from afar. They can offer you a lot of valuable insight into the local job market, as well as information about job opportunities that may not be advertised.

And if you’re hoping to move to Spokane, Washington, give us a call. Since 1994, Provisional has placed over 6,000 direct-hire professionals in jobs in Spokane, Washington – and we can help you too. Contact us today to learn more.

As a Spokane employment agency, we understand that being unemployed for a long period of time is stressful and scary. But if you accept a job offer amidst a flood of warning signs – just to rejoin the workforce – you could be in trouble. In fact, you’ll likely wind up unhappy, unproductive, and back on the job hunt in no time flat. We’ve seen it happen before.

Instead, when you’re searching for a new job, you should be looking for one that’s a good fit for your skills and personality. And you should also always be on the lookout for these 5 red flags:

1. A step down.

Be cautious if a potential employer wants you to take a big step down. Not only will this hurt your career, but it will also impact your quality of life. You’ll likely be making less money doing work that isn’t rewarding or is flat out boring for you. What’s more is that in the future, a prospective employer looking at your resume will question your wisdom in accepting a big demotion from a previous position.

With that said, if taking a small step back in your career will help you land a job at a Spokane firm you’ve always wanted to work for and there’s room for career growth, by all means, go for it. The bottom line is that it’s important to look at the big picture when planning your next career move.

2. An immediate offer.

If an employer makes you an offer on the spot, at your first interview, be wary. You may have knocked their socks off with your impressive skills; or they may be experiencing high turnover and be desperate to fill the position. If you’re uncertain, ask them questions about their turnover rate and how many jobs they currently have open or unfilled.

3. Vague answers.

To truly assess whether a job and an employer are a good fit for you, you should be asking lots of questions during the interview. But if the interviewer is giving you vague answers in return, that could be a sign of trouble. They could be trying to conceal a problem with the company or the fact that the job opening isn’t really what it seems to be. Reputable employers will give you clear and specific answers to your questions about their company and the job opening.

4. 11th hour changes.

If you’ve verbally accepted a job offer and the employer wants to make changes right before you sign a contract, this could be an indication of what’s to come in the future if you do accept the job – unpredictability and frustration.

5. Gut feelings.

When you leave a job interview, you will probably have a good sense of whether the job is right for you or not. Either you’ll feel a sense of elation at the prospect of landing the position, or a sense of doom at the thought of being offered the position. If it’s the latter, then go with your gut. Too often, candidates accept positions that they know aren’t right for them just so they can get back to work – only to wind up miserable in the end.

And if you need help finding a job that you love, please contact Provisional. We are an experienced and award-winning Spokane employment agency that has put more than 20,000 people to work since 1994. Contact us today – and you could be next!