[lostlogin]

This is a lot harder than you make it sound. I have worked in sectors where people would worry that asking that question would terminate the interview - hospitality for one.

[thekyle]

If the new job doesn't pay more than the old one then why bother switching?

[giantg2]

The type of work and policies could be a huge driver. I absolutely hate my job. If I would something similar in pay/benefits/etc I would quit today.

[xyzzyz]

Not all jobs are created equal, especially in hospitality or retail.

[chmod600]

What do you have to lose? If there are a lot of companies interviewing (high demand), you just interview at a couple of them. When they ask how much you expect, tell them 20% more than what you are making now. If they say that can't be done, just politely say that it doesn't make sense for you to join at that time, but perhaps in the future another role will open up.

Then, at least you can go home knowing that you are already making what the market can bear, and you aren't leaving money on the table.

[giantg2]

Even that's tricky in some markets. Plus I don't want my current job to fire me if they find out I'm looking.

[mgkimsal]

"that asking that question"

Asking what question?

[lostlogin]

Asking for a higher wage.

[mgkimsal]

"I have worked in sectors where people would worry that asking that question would terminate the interview"

I did not understand this, and still don't.

If there's an advertised wage - $x/hr - and you know this going in, yet ask for more, I can see an interview being terminated.

If there's not an advertised wage, and I ask for something ($x/hr) I can't see how that would lead to an interview being terminated.

[xyzzyz]

Yes, and it doesn’t work in all sectors or all places, but it does in tech sector in the US.