How to give the right answer

Dusseldorf Sooner or later, the question of salary expectations comes up in every job interview. But what some applicants are not prepared for: HR managers often ask what a candidate earns from their current employer. The answer should define the framework in which the subsequent negotiation moves.

Applicants have to make a decision: should they answer the question honestly, gracefully refuse an answer – or lie to get more money? Option three in particular may sound tempting, but it harbors dangers that can even cost you a new job in the end. The Handelsblatt asked three experts which answer option is the best. Here they explain how to react well.

Claudia Kimich, negotiation expert from Munich, finds: As attractive as it may seem to put yourself in a better negotiating position with a lie – candidates should be careful here.