As of October 31, 2017, employers in NYC will no longer be allowed to inquire about your salary history when applying for a position.
The state of Massachusetts already has this law on their books and Philadelphia’s ban has been passed but has been temporarily halted pending a lawsuit.
What does this mean for job seekers in NYC?
- An employer may not inquire about your salary history or rely on that history in determining the compensation during the hiring process, including the negotiation of a contract.
- Employers are permitted to ask about an applicant’s compensation expectations.
- If a job applicant chooses to disclose their salary history, the law will permit the employer/recruitment agency to consider and verify that information.
- This law does not effect employees applying for an internal transfer/promotion or for any job seekers covered by the collective bargaining process.
Live in another state?
- Know what you want and what you are worth. Use sites like PayScale’s Salary Survey to help determine what range a position pays.
- If asked for an amount on an on-line site and it is required, your choice is to put in a number or don’t answer the job online. You can always look for a name within the company and send your resume in that way.
- When a recruiter asks, they are usually trying to see if you ‘fit’ the position. Titles can be all over the place and not a true indicator of salary. If you are not comfortable giving your salary, give the recruiter the range you will accept.
It’s a brave new world out there!
Marie Raperto, The Hiring Hub
