[Legit44]

I’m about to have a final interview and have given them my references. I had slightly inflated my previous salary because I didn’t want them to low- ball me. Now when calling for a reference, can they ask what I made?

[Legit44]

Thank you for all your responses. I did not lie to the future employer, I lied to the recruiting company I'm using because I didn't want them pushing lower salaried jobs on me. If they asked me, I would probably decline to answer. I don't want to get low-balled.

Ironic, that my name is “legit”.lol

[tough_kitty]

Interesting discussion! I had no idea that potential employers can inquire about our past or present salaries! I work for the state, so my salary is public info….

The soapbox reference was very funny….Haven't heard of it before (English isn't my first language) and if it matters to anyone – I am with jsblamer. But I hear about all kinds of unethical stuff happening at Big 4 which makes me wonder how these people passed the ethics exam and what's the point…..hence my conclusion – public accounting is not for me….

On a flip side – I do exaggerate my salary on the credit card applications online, because there is plenty of income options which are not taxable, so not verifiable and the reason I do it is, so I can get a higher credit limit and use only 30% of it……so it's really harmless…..but since I do know how to manage my finances, it does help my credit score.

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[tough_kitty]

Interesting discussion! I had no idea that potential employers can inquire about our past or present salaries! I work for the state, so my salary is public info….

The soapbox reference was very funny….Haven't heard of it before (English isn't my first language) and if it matters to anyone – I am with jsblamer. But I hear about all kinds of unethical stuff happening at Big 4 which makes me wonder how these people passed the ethics exam and what's the point…..hence my conclusion – public accounting is not for me….

On a flip side – I do exaggerate my salary on the credit card applications online, because there is plenty of income options which are not taxable, so not verifiable and the reason I do it is, so I can get a higher credit limit and use only 30% of it……so it's really harmless…..but since I do know how to manage my finances, it does help my credit score.

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[jelly]

If you slightly inflated your salary, you can always say that you considered benefits and other employer costs. If you wildly inflated your salary, that's trickier to explain.

Couldn't pass again!

[jelly]

If you slightly inflated your salary, you can always say that you considered benefits and other employer costs. If you wildly inflated your salary, that's trickier to explain.

Couldn't pass again!

[Anonymous]

Yes, I did pass the ethics exam, but luckily I had my booklet in front of me or I wouldn't have stood a chance! Lol, I'm just giving you a hard time, jsblamer. I understand where you're coming from, I just think there is a decent amount of gray area when it comes to interviewing/getting a new job. I don't think you should ever lie about qualifications or education, but fudging a few thousand on a previous salary, I guess I don't see the harm. But I'm guessing everyone may see it differently. Anyway, the point is moot, I have a job with a Big 4 firm and it's basically slave labor for the amount they pay me. Ahhh, oh well…looks good on the resume eventually I suppose.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I did pass the ethics exam, but luckily I had my booklet in front of me or I wouldn't have stood a chance! Lol, I'm just giving you a hard time, jsblamer. I understand where you're coming from, I just think there is a decent amount of gray area when it comes to interviewing/getting a new job. I don't think you should ever lie about qualifications or education, but fudging a few thousand on a previous salary, I guess I don't see the harm. But I'm guessing everyone may see it differently. Anyway, the point is moot, I have a job with a Big 4 firm and it's basically slave labor for the amount they pay me. Ahhh, oh well…looks good on the resume eventually I suppose.

[Anonymous]

I would say that lying about anything to a future employer is highly dangerous. I'd refuse to answer a salary question rather than lie about it.

However, a recruiter is a different situation altogether.

My impression has always been that salary is a topic that can't be asked about – that all a former employer can say is “Yes, s/he worked here for those dates” and that's about it. I wouldn't want to risk it…but I'm guessing you're safe.

[Anonymous]

I would say that lying about anything to a future employer is highly dangerous. I'd refuse to answer a salary question rather than lie about it.

However, a recruiter is a different situation altogether.

My impression has always been that salary is a topic that can't be asked about – that all a former employer can say is “Yes, s/he worked here for those dates” and that's about it. I wouldn't want to risk it…but I'm guessing you're safe.

[Kenada]

I wouldn't misguide the employer on the salary if I was asked. For Interviews I stay away from saying something that is not true since I have seen it come back and bit people in the rear end.

For recruiters I haven't had to misguide them either. I would normally tell them upfront this is the minimum salary I am looking at my next opportunity.

FAR 05/27/14; 786/110 - Done !

[Kenada]

I wouldn't misguide the employer on the salary if I was asked. For Interviews I stay away from saying something that is not true since I have seen it come back and bit people in the rear end.

For recruiters I haven't had to misguide them either. I would normally tell them upfront this is the minimum salary I am looking at my next opportunity.

FAR 05/27/14; 786/110 - Done !

[Author]

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