Workers fear that settling for a survival job could hurt them when hiring picks up again.

The difficult job market has forced millions of workers to downgrade into a position they're overqualified for or take a survival job to make ends meet.

And while riding out the recession might be a practical strategy for now, what will become of the underemployed when the dust clears and it's time to get back on track?

Are you committing career suicide? - *******************

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Legally, potential employers cannot ask your former employers what your salary was...so that whole issue is moot. You can tell them your old salary if you want; they cannot verify that information.

Also, if you took a job you were underqualified for based on your education or experience, why not focus on the things you've done to improve your skills in the meantime rather than listing that job? Lots of people are unemployed right now, so, I wouldn't think the gap would hurt as much.

^^ Wow, I didn't know that. I have heard case of people have been ask to bring in their W2s.

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wooooooooooooooooooo ooooowwww Sire your siggy was way more interesting than the article...

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^Even with W2's, that's illegal in some states, so, you should check with your state labor department if you don't feel comfortable giving that info. A company should have a set salary in mind for the position (and to be honest, we all know they do) and they should be hiring you based on that number, not what you made previously.

For my current position, my former salary was asked for and it was verified. So, I think you may be incorrect in stating that it is illegal. It may be illegal to do so without the empolyee's written permission but it is obviously legal if both my former and current employer agreed to exchange the information.