As employer, we don't give them automatic increment.

Rather we give the candidate a chance to JUSTIFY their requested pay.

That they crossover is NOT a justification.

So far, after countless interviews with candidates, no one can make proper justification, save one.

We don't look for and we don't want to know their past/current pay.

For all I know they can be earning 1k only.

But anyone can request for 10k salary.

But please JUSTIFY.....

They are the one asking for 10k or more so let them propose.

I'm already being lenient by not asking for current salary.

Well, it happens on the employers side as well.

Once I interviewed a bright young man.

Only 28 but earning RM 5.5k.

He asked for 6.5k. I agreed.

Everything was hunky dory.

But turns out he later rejected my offer.

That's good news actually.