The Salary History Question That Traps Your Negotiation

Episode 49 of The Job Search Podcast. Lucas and Luna break down one of the sneakiest traps in job negotiation: the salary history question. Lucas explains why giving a number first—when you're asked 'What did you make at your last job?'—can cost you five to ten percent of your lifetime earnings, citing a 2019 study from the Journal of Labor Economics that found firms exploit that anchor to offer up to 33% less. Luna pushes back, sharing her own experience recruiter-side, where she used that number to set budget brackets. They walk through seven real-world responses you can use instead, from deflection ('I'm focused on the role itself') to partial truth ('I'm targeting roles in the $95,000 to $115,000 range') to outright refusal in states with salary-history bans. Lucas also explains why companies ask anyway—even in Massachusetts, where it's illegal—and how to handle it when they won't take no. A focused, tactical episode for anyone about to enter a negotiation. #SalaryHistory #JobNegotiation #SalaryTransparency #JobSearch #InterviewTips #CareerAdvice #NegotiationStrategy #LifetimeIncome #WageGap #SalaryHistoryBan #MassachusettsLaw #LaborEconomics #JournalOfLaborEconomics #Recruiter #JobOffer #Careers #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo