Insights into the forces shaping our industry.

Q: Hi Prudence – I took a job sort of as a stop gap with a small distributor and now am ready to move on as my non-compete has expired. I WAS making over $100,000 in my previous job, but am now at $60,000. I have to fill in compensation on the job application for this new position and want to put my old compensation down, do you think that’s a good idea? – Joey

A: Hi Joey – I do not. I appreciate that you were making significantly more in your previous position but you chose to take a position at a lower compensation level and you’re ultimately pinned to current compensation not previous compensation. I always err on the side of honesty. If possible, have a conversation with the person you’d be reporting to and you may be able to better the situation but if you put your previous compensation down and they ask for a W2, you’re not getting that job because you lied. Distributors, regardless if they say they have a range or not, will look at what someone is currently making and in most cases make a better offer so you’ll come to work for them. Best of luck, I feel for you. -Prudence