The job interview question you don't have to answer

Job candidates are often asked about their current salary during interviews, but experts say this is a question applicants are not always obligated to answer, according to BBC Business.

Career advisers note that disclosing a current salary can put candidates at a disadvantage in negotiations, particularly if their existing pay is lower than the market rate for the role they are pursuing. Several jurisdictions have introduced rules limiting or banning employers from asking about salary history for this reason.

How to respond

Experts suggest candidates can redirect the conversation toward the salary range for the new role rather than disclosing past or current pay, framing the discussion around the value they would bring to the position. This approach, they say, helps keep negotiations focused on the job at hand rather than anchored to previous compensation.