Tip No. 194
Q. I am not fond of interviewers who insist on seeing my 1099s or W-2s. I live in a high rent district and am not the wealthiest person around, but this question seems insulting to me. Is there a politically correct way here? I used to say "I'll show you mine, if you show me yours!" Somebody might say OK! Any thoughts here?
A. Jim, I can understand why you are not fond of interviewers insisting on seeing proof of income! If this occurs before or during the negotiation process, it can seriously hamper your ability to negotiate. If it takes place upon hire and you did give them a prior salary amount during the interview process, then the numbers better match. Typically, if a potential employer is going to ask to see a payroll stub, 1099 or W2 form, it will happen at the time you start work, or the offer could be made dependent on verification of salary. I do not know at what point of the interview/hiring process you are in, so I can't comment on whether what has been asked of you is very unusual or not. As for how to respond in a "politically correct" or beneficial-to-you way, it depends at which point in the process the request occurred. During the interviewing process, a light and humorous approach -- such as the one you suggested -- can be effective at deflecting salary questions, but I would use it only if good rapport has been established and the interviewer has shown they have a healthy sense of humor. And, you're right, they might just say "OK." The #1 rule of thumb in salary negotiations is to avoid giving a number -- neither past salary nor current expectations. Many times the best way to avoid answering a question is to ask a question, and in salary negotiations, one of the best you can ask is "what range have you budgeted for the position?” With that information in hand, you will know where you stand and can negotiate accordingly. During the hiring process, though it may seem insulting, the hiring company has a right to require this type of salary verification. You also have the right to refuse. But if you want the job, you'll need to produce the document or risk losing the offer.
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