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Well, at my last job,I knew I was grossly underpaid. (A result of being my first experience negotiating pay) When I was asked how much I was making at my current job, my reply was "Well, I couldn't possible move for less than $x." (X was a full 20% more than I was making)" Of course, it didn't hurt my position that they came looking for me, not the other way around, and I was happy with the other job, if not with the pay, and I could have stayed there if the new job hadn't worked out.
Still, I never did tell them what I was making before. I don't consider that relevant to what I will be making ini a new job.
I can only assume that you know what you're making now and that you have
"some" figure in your head regarding what you are looking for in terms of
compensation. If you are serious about the post you are interviewing for,
fill out the application, include your current salary and send it in. If
you're out of the ballpark, the potential employer should let you know.
However, if your current compensation is within the company's range, you'll
probably get another interview. At that point, let them make the first
mention of money. Your cards are on the table and they should be able to
determine that you are not going to make a move for less than an x% increase.
Hope this helps.
jarnopol
