The currency conversion trap

Candidates moving countries often quote a number based on converting their current salary directly, ignoring that cost of living, tax structure, and market rate can be completely different in the new country. A salary that sounds low converted at face value might actually be competitive locally, and vice versa, so anchor to local market data, not a currency calculator.

How to research the real number

Use local salary benchmarking sources for the specific country and city, not just a global average, since pay for the same role can vary widely even within one country by city or region. If you know recruiters or contacts already working in the target market, a quick informal check on their range is often more current than published survey data.

Mistakes candidates make with cross-country salary talk

Stating your current salary as your anchor number without adjusting it, or without letting the employer know you understand it needs adjusting, can make you look unprepared for the move. Underselling out of uncertainty is just as costly, going in with a vague answer instead of a researched range gives the employer no reason to offer at the top of their budget.

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Frequently asked questions

Should I tell an international employer my current salary?
In many countries, including several US states, employers are legally restricted from asking your current salary, and you are not obligated to share it even where it is legal. Focus the conversation on your researched market rate for the new location instead.
How much does cost of living actually change what counts as a good offer?
Significantly, a lower gross number in a country with lower taxes, healthcare costs, or housing costs can leave you better off than a higher number somewhere expensive, always compare take-home and cost of living together, not headline salary alone.

Before your next interview, it helps to have the fundamentals down. Our complete guide to preparing for a job interview covers the basics, and the STAR method is a reliable way to structure almost any answer under pressure.

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