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> I frequently see people with work history in the $30/hour range applying for very high pay jobs.

Does a low-paying job in the past disqualify you from high-paying jobs in the future?

Yeah, it’s an entrenched form of classism. Sort of like the American version of the old British Civil Service. The plucky clerk will never be the high commissioner.

Most companies paying premiums recruit a particular pedigree of university graduate. Few graduates of Flyover State are going to be rockstars at the First National Bank of Nowhere and get a fancy gig at Facebook or a hedge fund.

One exception is .gov employees. For exceptional people, smarter companies will usually value their current comp at 150%.

In my experience, it mostly does. Everyone tries to funnel you into +5-15% positions and may relent to +15%-30% when you reject their offer (two times and they still decide they need you).

I generally just don't say what my current role pays when interviewing. I ask what pay range they're targeting, and if they need a number from me, I'll offer a range where the low end is what I'd actually like.

Myself as well, but that information is out there and easily found through payroll subscription services.

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