If I can't remember previous salaries, is it an issue?

[ClawsForThought]

As stated - I can only remember the salaries from two jobs prior to my current role. Does it really matter to a potential employer that I can't remember what I was paid back in 2001 or so?

And how would I address this on the job application form short of saying I can't remember (or none of your business because it was rubbish and you won't get away with that these days )?

Thanks in advance.

Do you not have a contract of employment or payslip from your previous roles? Or a P45?

I find it annoying being asked for previous salary details but it's very common now. A lot of potential employers do it to check that you're being truthful with them as by conditional offer time, they may well ask to see evidence of previous salary etc. It's less about the actual salary and more about your trustworthiness.

2001 does seem a bit ridiculous though.

I think its so rude to ask about previous salaries i always put not applicable on the form

I have P60s and some old payslips going back a few years but nothing before around 2012 as I moved and shredded old documentation, etc.

I'm just wondering if there's some sort of buzzwords I can put in for the really old ones like the dreaded 'market rate' or something? NB some of the roles were temporary through agencies, and my job history goes back to 1998.

You can't be expected to keep paperwork back as far as 2001. A rough guess will do.

I'll have a look back through my old paperwork this evening, but anything before 5 years ago will have to get a guesstimate or hourly rate, I suppose.

Thanks, everyone.

Sounds like you have no choice but to guess. I'd suggest you put (approx). afterwards so it's clear that it's a best guess and they can't hold you to it. Depending on what industry you're in, that may well be enough or they may actually contact your previous employer to check. I work in financial services and the pre-employment checks these days are so detailed and intense. Feels like a total invasion of privacy.

I'm applying for Business/Finance Management roles in schools - my job history is education, public sector and charity related. Approximations will have to do going back more than 5 years.