I want to start off by saying THANK YOU to Mark and Mike. I am new to the Manager Tools podcasts and site and have found them tremendously helpful.
Listening to the past podcasts has reinforced that I am undervalued and unappreciated in my current position. I have taken the initiative and have begun looking for companies that would be a better fit for me. I reached out to my professional network and I have a few opportunities that I am pursuing. These companies are asking for a salary history and requirements to be sent.
The Production and Sales Manager positions I have are with small companies. Due to financial concerns with these companies I have taken deferred raises, bonuses and maintained a lower salary to help the company. My question falls into what do I send? My current/past salaries (actual) or what I was promised. The promised number will be much closer to my requirement but certainly off of what I acually receive.
Thank you for any input you can provide.
Best Regards --
Tell the truth
If you weren't getting paid then you can't say you were. That being said, you can explain the situation, and if you're working through a recruiter they'll almost always directly ask about your salary expectations anyway. Companies want to know so they can 1) determine whether you're in the right price range and 2) prepare a competitive offer. Doesn't do either of you any good to withhold your story, but don't simplify it by claiming you received a salary you didn't receive (possible exception: if deferred payments are legally enforceable).
One other comment -- are you sure you want to publish online that you're looking for a job (with your full signature)? You never know what might find it's way back to your current employer. Of course we're all here to help, but don't hurt your cause right out of the gate.
Good luck!