I started telling people I made $85k when I was really at $72k, and it actually got me a job offer at $82k last month.

I mean, is it a risky lie that could backfire or just a smart way to reset the salary talk when you know you're underpaid, because I'm still not sure how I feel about it.

2 comments

2 Comments

skylerp2010d ago

Honestly, the whole salary talk feels like a game everyone knows is rigged. My friend got a background check once that asked for past W-2s, and they caught a similar inflation by a few grand. It was awkward, but they just asked him to explain the difference. He said he included his yearly bonus in the number, and they shrugged and moved on. Makes you wonder how much they actually care versus just wanting to see if you'll fold under a basic question.

beth_sanchez10d ago

Seriously, it's all about the power trip. They just want to see if you'll sweat over a tiny difference, and if you don't, they don't care. The whole thing is a weird test of confidence.