word on the street is that you don't talk about salary during the first interview. after much discussion with my peers, i have come to the conclusion that not having any idea whatsoever is just a little bit ridiculous. because you can go through rounds of interviews courting/being wooed by a company with everyone loving each other, but if at the end of the day you don't see eye to eye on compensation, all that do-si-doing really doesn't mean anything. this *rule* seems to favor the employer every time, and especially against a person considering several options with varying deadlines. i see how bringing up the topic can come off as bad form, but if you're not discussing all potential dealbreakers, it ends up being a waste of everyone's time.
thoughts?
You have the "right" and certainly good reason to ask about salary, especially as a range. Most likely the company is going to ask *you* either by direct question or a required blank on an application.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree with radioactive jam, a range is acceptable. Also, they're most likely to ask you what you expect salary wise.
ReplyDeleteI agree. If there's no posted salary range (on the job description), then you're well within your rights to ask.
ReplyDeleteYes, a range is acceptable, because why make an effort to go for the job if the salary stinks? Besides, if you get an offer, you can bargain for a salary on the high end of the range.
ReplyDeleteI don’t see what the big deal is either. Especially if they keep asking you over and over again, “Do you have any more questions?” Maybe it’s just me, but the number one question I have is, “How much are you going to pay?” I’m not looking for a job because I want to do a favor for someone else, I want to get paid. And I want to be properly compensated for my time. Am I supposed to be so grateful that I’m being offered a job at all, that I’ll take whatever they give me? I don’t think so. They want to know if I’m the right person for the job, well, I want to know if this is the right job for me, and so I want to know what the pay is.
ReplyDeleteThe correct answer is to wait until the employer brings up compensation. The reason is that you are in a better bargaining position. At that point, you are their selection and they want to finish the hiring process, not start all over. So if their initial offer is too low, counter it with what you require. Chances are they will meet your needs because it is easier to get a bigger salary than it is to start looking all over again.
ReplyDeleteI once made the mistake of asking about money right off and did not get an offer. Just as well, the company is now under investigation by the SEC for stock fraud...
i think you may be right, anon, because at the end of what i felt was a pretty successful meeting i asked, "what is a general salary range for this position?" it was as if i brought down the iron curtain as all the smiles disappeared. he said, "i can't tell you that. sorry," and i was curtly escorted out.
ReplyDeletei guess i'll just chalk that up to interview experience and move on.