Date: May 31, 2002
Dear Mr. Corcodilos:
Keep Your Salary Under Wraps is an
excellent article, and I only wish that others shared your
common sense. I have always believed that salary history is
confidential, and wonder why all of us feel compelled to discuss
it openly. I refrain from disclosing salary history. Often, it
bars me from some opportunities. However, I feel that my
earnings are confidential, even without a non-disclosure
agreement.
Here are a couple of examples that I feel are possible responses
to "I need to know your past/present salary":
1. If an NBA player coming out of high school or college has no
salary history, why does he receive a guaranteed multi-million
dollar contract? Based upon salary history, he should play for
the league minimum wage. Most high school or college graduates
are paid entry-level salaries since they have no work experience
or significant salary histories. The NBA player is paid the
market rate based on supply and demand for his skills.
2. Have you ever gone to a restaurant, and when the time came
for paying the bill, did the waiter or waitress ever ask,
"I need to know what you paid for your last meal. Then
we'll know what to charge you."?
Thank you for your excellent web site, and your
book was very helpful.
Sincerely yours,
Steve Amoia
Washington, DC
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