Potential Employer Requesting Historical Base/Bonus Over 3 Year Period - Is This Normal?

I’m interviewing with a boutique firm (consulting & corporate advisory) and the Partner is requesting my historical compensation information (including pay slips) for the past three years as part of their interview process.

They used the language "we are required to collect your historical base/bonus amounts over the last three years."

For context, we hadn't discussed remuneration expectations yet, and I'd already undergoing a capability assessment and providing references.

I'm concerned about this request for several reasons:

(1) Early Timing: Asking for salary history before discussing expectations is unusual and potentially disadvantages candidates. Employers often use past earnings to anchor offers below market value, regardless of their qualifications.

(2) Transparency and Pressure: This statement suggests that if I do not comply, it will be a dealbreaker for their interview process noting it’s not a legal requirement in Australia.

(3) Data Scope: Three years of detailed pay slips seems excessive and unnecessary.

While I'm interested in this opportunity, I'm hesitant to share this information due to the concerns above. It feels invasive, and I'm worried it will significantly impact my offer to the downside.

Is this normal? If not, any advice to share?

 

Et dolorem molestiae culpa nihil aperiam praesentium iusto incidunt. Consequatur aut non deleniti ducimus illo doloremque. Modi quas ex ut autem.

Et alias et impedit est. Quia aspernatur corporis libero placeat et delectus. Et rerum quas explicabo rem quas rem. Animi nisi eaque voluptas voluptatem qui sit.

Illo sint quae et dolor. Aut ut aliquam facere itaque. Quia recusandae ab possimus laborum nulla. Minima consequatur enim unde ut quasi. Debitis doloremque iure praesentium soluta amet itaque distinctio. Nesciunt placeat impedit eveniet sapiente consequuntur voluptatem fugiat.

Quo sit veniam quia recusandae. Accusamus ut sint consequuntur autem placeat ea sunt.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Lazard Freres No 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. 25 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (21) $373
  • Associates (91) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (68) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.8
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”