Can a potential employer legally ask for your previous salary?

Answer 1

Yes, a potential employer may be able to find your salary history. Depending on the type of position you are applying for, some employers will ask for a W2 or paycheck stubbs. It is legal and common in some professions. More input from others: * All depending on what state you live in some ex-employers will give that information. But, I believe this is illegal. I do know they are allowed only to give your date of hire and whether you are illegible for re-hire. They can answer yes or no questions. You may want to contact your state's labor board to be sure. * Yes, but they can't search through your salary history without your permission.

Answer 2

Absolutely an employer can find your job histories where you have worked, what you did, attendance,quality of work you performed, how you got along with your co workers, and if you were a good team worker. In today's world there is not much in ones life that's a secret. Employers can look at your cookies, history on the computer you use also.

Answer 3

Not only can "real" employers, recruiters, and staffing agencies verify your salary,

the can also access your credit history, police records, education, and more.

Ironically, this information can be accessed by anyone knowing the proper internet sites. Privcacy act are buzz words. Especially after you sign disclosure statements givning employers, banks, credit card companies a signatured document to access your history.

Many will acces it without your knowing about it. So if you truly think there is such a thing as privacy since the internet became avaialble to everyone, think again.

Actually, they cannot verify your salary. Most companies will not release that information due to conflicts of interest. In addition, that information belongs to the IRS.

Answer 4

Yes, a potential employer can legally ask for your previous salary, and this is standard in business. There are several reasons they ask this questions. 1. It's a good indication as to whether their offer is going to be in the ballpark of what you were making previously. 2. It gives them a guide as to what salary offer to make a candidate. 3. They don't want to pay more for the position by offering a higher salary than what they may need to, based on a candidate's previous salary. Of course, it's always wise for the employer to ask a candidate what their salary requirements are and have discussion around that topic with the candidate.

Answer 5

I think they can in the US if you give permission on a release that allows for them to check your dates of employment and the last salary you had prior to departure. ~LSpreeman~

Answer 6

He can ask. You don't have to answer. He may ask becaues he is trying to lure you away by offering more money, so don't knock it.

Answer 7

Only if you give them written permission. At that point, they can contact the Social Security Administration and get your complete earnings profile.