When to ask about salary??

[legs22]

Is it ok to ask PRIOR to a job interview what the salary range is or do you only do this during the interview?

I don't want to go through all this (interview is 2 hrs away) and then find out that I can't take the job because I would have to take a huge pay cut.

 

[worm761]

ask prior to putting in your resume! there is no sense wasting your time or theirs if the salary isn't what you want/need!!!!

 

[Lewski709]

I interview and hire. Don't waste my time and yours by interviewing for something that won't work for either of us. If we call for an interview, I would appreciate the upfront honesty in a professional manner.

 

[Pin Wizard]

It's good to hear that, Lewski. I've always been told that you don't bring up such things. I've always thought a phone interview of sorts would be best first to go over things like this, basics of the position, etc. Neither employers nor potential employees have time to waste these days.

 

[LindaR]

Things must be different here............just my opinion............


You DON'T ask. You interview and IF you are offered the job, they will discuss the salary/benefits with you at that time. You can tell them at that time that you will accept the job at a rate of $$$ per hour (or whatever). That is like a counter-offer. It is either accepted and you are employed, or turned down.

If you inquire about salary BEFORE you even have an interview, that sends out the message that you are more interested in what you can get, instead of the job and what you have to offer the company.

 

[Shannon G]

If you inquire about salary BEFORE you even have an interview, that sends out the message that you are more interested in what you can get, instead of the job and what you have to offer the company.

I'd have to disagree - I think it's very appropriate to ask - just as many potential employers ask up front what level of salary you would be looking for. Most of us work because we need the money, so asking how much money is involved before we consider whether to go through the interview process makes sense. As far as looking like I'm more interested in what I can get than what I can do for the company - of course I am. I'm looking out for my own interests first - just as the company is looking out for theirs.

I have only worked for two employers on a full-time basis, but have asked about salary up front both times, with no negative repercussions. I have also been approached by other companies and, in asking whether I may be interested in interviewing with them, they have brought up the salary issue right from the start themselves.

As other posters have said - why waste everyone's time going through the entire process if the salary isn't what someone requires to consider the position?

 

[Micca]

I think when 2 hrs travel is involved, and a possible move of household is at stake, it's completely ok to find out if you're on the same page salary-wise. As an employer I would want to know before I invest in further time.

 

[crazelion]

I found out how much they is offer before you get the job. I found out the hard way. I accept a job making only 5.50 hour. I was getting 16hours week a now I down to 10 hours and looking for another job. I accept this because that was all I get. Found out what they is offer before decide on the job. Job hunting again

The good thing is if don't found something soon baseball season starts April 3 minorl eague baseball and I go back my job as concession stand manager making really good money.

 

[disneychrista]

I an interview skills class I took it says you do not mention salary until you are offered the job.

However, if you simply call them before applying and asking (do not give your name) and simply ask I saw your ad for XYZ and was wondering what the salary range is for that position. I think you are okay.

What you do not want to do is run the risk of being way to high or way to low, if you say I need $. If you ar too high, they will be put off. If you are to low you run the risk of being offered that even if the salary range is higher.

 

[jfulcer]

A lot of what an employer will be willing to pay is based on YOU as a person and your skill set.

An interview will allow you to tell them all about your stengths, what you can bring as an employee and how you will fit into the environment of their office. Without that chance for them to find out about you, I would think they might lowball the salary, especially considering they most likely have many other resumes for that same exact job.

When I interviewed for a position recently, the HR person asked about halfway through the interview what my salary requirements were (and a good deal of resumes I sent out for other jobs <i>required</i> a salary history attached). I told her what I was making previously and thought it would be 'in that ballpark based on other job benefits'. She then told me what the range was and I was smack in the middle. It still gives me a chance to work the salary a little more, and gives her an idea what it would cost to hire me.

With the job market so tight right now everywhere, I would say you need to make the investment in time for the interview, and if it doesn't work out it doesn't.

On lewski709's comment about hiring and 'honesty up front'. Yes, you need to be honest, but that can come after you see if it's a fit. After all, you may do the interview and just LOVE the spot and might be willing to make a cut, or they might like you so much they are willing to pay a little more than what they thought. You will never know that unless you go and talk with them.

And if it doesn't work out, think of it as good practice for the next one that will.

 

[mus muris asinus]

I'd be surprised if the employer doesn't ask for your salary requirements before they ask you in for an interview. Wasting time works both ways -- employers don't want to go to the time and trouble of setting up and in-office interview unless they have a pretty good idea that A.) the candidate they're bringing in is a pretty good fit and B.) they meet their budget in terms of salary range. That's why phone interviews are so common these days.