Source: By Lindsey Novak. Special to the Tribune. Section: JOBS. Column: At work. Copyright Chicago Tribune

Q - I've worked with some executive recruiters who said they needed a copy of my W-2 form, but I am reluctant to show it to them because I feel it's confidential and revealing it decreases my salary negotiating strength. Should this information be shared?

 A- Executive search consultants must present the best possible candidates to their clients. To do that, they must have accurate information about the people they are presenting. According to Robert Mayer, vice president of Kennedy & Co., a Chicago-based executive search firm, tax returns are personal, but a W-2 form shows all pertinent income that affects an offer. What a W-2 shows is more complete than a check stub because it includes bonuses and extraneous taxable benefits (club dues, car expenses, etc.). When negotiating pay, all benefits and salary have to be considered. Holding back your W-2 tells your recruiters that you're not being honest about your income level.