ADVERTISEMENT

A new law in New York City will eliminate everyone's least-favorite interview question

In New York City, you can no longer ask candidates how much they made in their last role in job interviews.

group crowd city streets

"How much did you make in your last job?"

ADVERTISEMENT

It's a question most people would rather skip over in a job interview.

Now New Yorkers might be able to do just that — permanently.

The New York City Council passed public advocate Letitia James's bill Wednesday, banning public and private employers from asking candidates about their previous salaries during the hiring process and taking a job candidate's pay history under consideration when coming up with a new salary offer.

ADVERTISEMENT

Candidates can still offer up the information themselves if they wish.

The new legislation will affect 3.8 million workers, according to the Washington Post, and follows similar measures from Philadelphia, New Orleans, Puerto Rico, and Massachusetts. However, not all of the rulings have gone off without a hitch. Wednesday, Philly.com reported that Philadelphia's Chamber of Commerce pushed back against the wage ruling and stated plans to file a lawsuit against the city.

Business Insider has previously tackled how to dodge or respond to the salary query, as well as how employers might try to get their hands on your pay information. Recently, however, there's been a growing trend of municipalities attempting to legislate away the question themselves, in an effort to combat wage discrimination and the gender pay gap.

"Women represent half of our city's population and workforce; and yet we have been shortchanged by the very economic system that would not flourish without our contributions," council member and NYC Council Women's Caucus co-chair Laurie A. Cumbo said in a press release.

FOLLOW BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Recommended articles

NOG Energy Week 2024: West African countries harnessing gas for industrialisation to boost economic development

NOG Energy Week 2024: West African countries harnessing gas for industrialisation to boost economic development

10 African countries with the smallest labor force

10 African countries with the smallest labor force

West Africa healthcare and pharmaceutical landscapes gets a boost: A look back at Medlab & Pharmaconex

West Africa healthcare and pharmaceutical landscapes gets a boost: A look back at Medlab & Pharmaconex

10 countries with the most stressed workers in Africa

10 countries with the most stressed workers in Africa

From 1,500 to 52,000: The student boom reshaping UK immigration laws

From 1,500 to 52,000: The student boom reshaping UK immigration laws

Russia and China are much less sneaky than the West - DRC president

Russia and China are much less sneaky than the West - DRC president

10 countries in Africa with the worst press freedom in 2024

10 countries in Africa with the worst press freedom in 2024

FCMB Group sustains growth momentum, profit rises 192.6% in Q1 2024

FCMB Group sustains growth momentum, profit rises 192.6% in Q1 2024

DBNC 2024 impacts, sets the pace for entrepreneurs

DBNC 2024 impacts, sets the pace for entrepreneurs

ADVERTISEMENT