Filling out an online job application form--previous salary is a required field....

[lastlib]

How do I respond?

I don't want to give my actual previous salary, and risk pricing myself out of their consideration. And it should be irrelevant anyway. It requires a number, so I can't respond with "negotiable"......Thinking I'll just enter $1, and let them stew over it.

What does DU say?

[BlueJazz]

1. "I signed a nondisclosure contract with my previous employer"

[lastlib]

15. I like that, but.....

...can't put it in the (required) numeric field....

[Lady Freedom Returns]

3. It is a pain.

I really think they should not be allowed to ask that. It is one of the biggest problems in getting a job lately, along with how long many have been without a job. It seems that employers want people with a job instead of not having one (even just recently unemployed is looked at as "iffy" for some reason.


But if you don't put something they will toss the app.

[Tobin S.]

7. Check this out.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-05-03/long-term-unemployment-is-turning-jobless-into-pariahs.html

Recently, though, economists in both camps have come to agree that something bigger -- and more insidious -- is at work: Unemployment causes social scarring. In other words, the stigma of long-term joblessness is, by itself, causing persistent joblessness. This is true whether you have a college degree or a high-school diploma, whether you are middle-aged or 20-something. It’s also true whether your collar is blue or white.

When researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston sent fake resumes to employers with job openings, the length of time candidates had been out of work mattered more than their job experience in determining who got called in for an interview. Applicants who had only recently lost a job but had no relevant experience were far more likely to be called than those with many years of experience who had been out of work a long time. So much for the skills gap.

One way to thwart such bias is to make sure the unemployed understand that their chances of getting work improve if they are in a job-training program or working at least part-time. Not sitting idle is paramount. This is where government can help.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

8. Wish that I could get a part time.

It has to be a full time or they will pull my help.

And the "job training", any I found is geared for convicts and they are showing them how to get lower level jobs. I went in one with my B.A and was told I was a liar, I could not be because if I did I would be working!

It is like I am dammed if I do, dammed if I don't!

[GoCubsGo]

10. Yep.

It's even worse if you have a Masters degree. I have an odd skill set, it's a double whammy for me. The jobs are few and far between. Meanwhile, I don't even bother with applying for openings at places like Home Depot or grocery stores, which are always looking. My degrees are in the Biological Sciences. They'd be just like the employers who were hiring positions for which I was overqualified. You are either "damaged goods", or they fear you'll pack up and go as soon as something better comes along. I have nearly given up hope of ever being employed again.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

14. I think it really hurts when you start to think of all you can do and see it is a lot.

Yet no takers.
I was asked by someone what can I do so I wrote some down.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1018390974#post9

Have worked in TV for 5 years.

Have also been a manager for a luggage store. I set schedules and evaluated employees performance. Hired and fired employees. Handled questions and complaints for Customers. Received product shipments and placed shipments in stock room. Oversaw the night drop and employee training. Executed advertising and promotion campaigns. Helped on sales floor and filled in for sick employees.

Also as a Sales Clerk/ Engraver. I accepted payment and made change for Customers. Helped Customers with selecting specialty gifts and chose engravings. Stocked shelves with as well as placed price tags on merchandise. Set up adverting displays and arranged merchandise on shelves and counters. Engraved specialty gifts that customers purchased in-store.

My B.A. is in Communication. Sadly I can not get the transcript back due to being without work to start my loan payments again, long story.

The work in the TV station was a Production Technician/ Associate Producer. I set up and controlled production equipment in studio, such as cameras, microphones, and microphone booms. Worked directors and audio board, tape decks, and propter in control room. Taped network feeds for cut in’s as well as add information to scripts for said feeds. Greeted Guests and answer any questions they may have before going on as well as to double check information with them that would be used in the show. Answered the phones for contests and school closings as well as get mentioned information to Director and Anchors during the show. Filled in for any missing crew member.

I did stories as a journalist for my College Station as well. That is one reason the other hired me, I knew the field work already so moving me up the latter was easier.

I was also part of the KGCS 2002 award winning KGCS Campus Update National Broadcasting Society Regional Production Competition, First Place as well as in 2004

I have also done PR work, it is a big part of working with the public for a morning show. I also was PR Secretary for the College Dem for two years.

I also was in Fast Food when I was a kid. Worked for McDonalds, Taco Bell and Braum's Ice cream Store.

And thinking of all the jobs that I can use these skills in hurts because no takers.

[MrsBrady]

4. leave it blank

if it will let you.

[AngryOldDem]

5. If it's a required field, it won't let you. You won't be able to send the page.

And the thing is, it should not be required. What you get paid is really nobody's business, and in this economy, salary is really no barometer of how good of a worker you are, or what kind of skill set you have. Job applicants should not be put in this situation -- evaluate the resume and negotiate salary if it comes down to an offer being made, rather than worrying about whether they are high-balling or low-balling themselves out of consideration.

I hate the job application process because it comes down to you thinking, "What does the employer want to hear," rather than "Here's what I can bring to the company."

[IrishEyes]

6. Just put $1

[In_The_Wind]

9. Are you willing to lie to take a smaller salary?

[lastlib]

16. for the moment, I'm willing to take ANY salary!

can't pay bills on fumes.............

[GoCubsGo]

11. I'm pretty lucky. I don't run into that very often.

Most of the jobs in my field are in government or at universities. They have a set pay range, which is advertised.

[dr.strangelove]

12. My company will not hire anyone who does not provide this information

plus before they make an offer they demand your last paystub or prior year's w-2 to verify it and if you refuse or you lied, no job offer. I say just be honest.

[ohiosmith]

13. Just put a $ sign so that the field has something in it.

On your cover letter reference that your salary is negotiable.