Can I ask a recruiter for the salary range when they first message me?

21 Comments

1. Sabriya DobbinsFebruary 17,2022 at 9:19PM UTC

   I think it is perfectly fine to be transparent on salary expectations as you want to ensure you are both not wasting time. I am an advocate of people putting the salary in listings but I know often times when they don’t there is a margin of negotiation.

   We are in a World where the worker has the power and you deserve to know what you are getting into before you get in too deep. Best of luck!

2. AnonymousFebruary 17,2022 at 9:25PM UTC

   I did this every time. Some were way below and I didn't have to waste my time. Others were around the same or would be a huge increase in my pay.

   Do it! You have nothing to lose.

3. Joanne RosenFebruary 17,2022 at 10:08PM UTC

   It depends on whether you are interested in what they are selling.

   As my son says, about recruiters calling him, he's the pretty girl at the party and they are asking him to dance. So, they need to offer something.

   Seriously, if they think it's unprofessional, then they probably aren't offering enough.

   Hi, Joe Recruiter. I don't want to waste time for either of us. Can you tell me the salary range please? If it's not what I need, then that frees you up to go on to the next candidate."

   Cheers

   Joanne

   https://www.analyticadvantagecc.com

   Resumes and Career Counseling

4. AnonymousFebruary 17,2022 at 10:24PM UTC

   I find many appreciate if you are upfront as long as you position it properly. I tend to put it just as you have , “in respect of everyone’s time I would like to ensure we are on the same page.” I have gotten burned a lot lately and sadly just wasted everyone’s time cuz this either wasn’t upheld to what we originally discussed or we were just not aligned.

5. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistFebruary 17,2022 at 11:45PM UTC

   Yes you can. Most - but not all - want to make sure you're in the same ballpark so they don't waste their - or your - time.

   I talk about comp in my first call with all my candidates. I prefer to have a conversation about it as opposed to emailing it because I work for a non-profit with narrow salary bands and candidates can make more money almost everywhere else they can work. But we have a great benefits package and advancement opportunities that the other places will never be able to offer them.

6. Orlagh CostelloFebruary 18,2022 at 1:34PM UTC

   Totally acceptable question -where is it and how much are the two basic questions beyond what the job actually is.

7. Focused563235February 20,2022 at 1:41PM UTC

   Definitely!! The recruiters I have worked with would make it clear up-front without me having to ask for the information. If they didn’t offer the information either initially, I would ask directly. If I didn’t get a clear answer, I would consider it a giant red flag & not work with that person. Even if it is a range, they should be able to tell you what the range is.

8. AnonymousFebruary 20,2022 at 1:54PM UTC

   Sure, I would ask them to provide a copy of the job description and expected salary range… or (for true recruiters, from a reputable company, not the spammers) set up a time to chat by phone to learn more about the role.

9. Peggie Arvidson * Career Consultant | Adoptee Advocate | RecruiterFebruary 20,2022 at 3:01PM UTC

   my whole goal with every request is to have a phone call - 15 minutes - share the company, the requirements and find out what YOU want to do in your next role. and yes, make sure we're in the comp range that fits for everyone.

10. Courtney CainFebruary 20,2022 at 2:13PM UTC

    I always ask for the salary range up front, that saves everyone’s time.

11. Kristen DauerFebruary 20,2022 at 2:41PM UTC

    Absolutely! Let them know upfront so you’re not wasting your time.

12. AnonymousFebruary 20,2022 at 2:50PM UTC

    I always do. I’m currently earning a 6 figure salary and I know the industry has changed drastically and this kind of salary isn’t being offered by many employers now. I can’t afford to take a big cut in pay so if someone reaches out with a position I’m really interested in I ask up front and I tell them exactly what you said… I don’t want to waste their time or my own if I know I can’t accept the position. They always appreciate my asking up front because the application and interview process is very time consuming on both sides. Side note- I NEVER answer the question what am I hoping for as far as pay. I always say I’m open to negotiate that. I’ve seen too many people short change themselves by quoting a salary lower than the employer was willing to pay and also take themselves out of the running by stating a salary that was too high for the position/ company.

13. AnonymousFebruary 20,2022 at 2:57PM UTC

    The 1st thing I tell a recruiter is exactly what I'm looking for. Evrryones time is too precious to waste it.

14. Peggie Arvidson * Career Consultant | Adoptee Advocate | RecruiterFebruary 20,2022 at 2:58PM UTC

    Recruiter here!

    People do it all the time. I get it. And I'm always happy to give you a range - with the caveat -- I do not make dollar decisions for my clients so I don't promise that YOUR experience is going to get you the higher end of the range. In fact, I have no idea without talking to you if you even are the best fit - I'm hoping to talk to you -- not only for this role but for the hundreds of roles I work each year that are similar. It's short sighted to think that 15 minutes is so valuable that you can't build a lifelong professional contact. Every conversation adds value - at least on the mid to senior level career path

    That said, one of the reasons (among many) our clients hire us is because we have a pulse on what's happening in the market right now. like realtors do with the costs of houses in your area.

    And one of my roles is to report back to the client, "Hey, I've talked to 25 individuals that meet your basic criteria and they are all asking for 25% more than what you've indicated is the top of the range"

    That doesn't mean they'll change their comp but it may mean they'll rework the specs - perhaps for a more junior role or they'll meet with leadership to reflect the current candidate pool.

    So, it depends - on what you want ( a job tomorrow and not to waste your time with someone who may find your ideal job in a month or a year or 3 years).

    I like the conversation from both sides. But I don't like wasting my time (right now I'm working close to 15 reqs, I don't have time to waste any more than you do). I also like to build my network - because I DO call those potential candidates I spoke with who had clear expectations for their next role when that role comes in (and they come in faster than you think!)

    What' s my answer when someone replies, "what's the pay?"

    "Thanks for asking. For the ideal candidate will be in the comp spec of 80-120K. I have no idea if that's you at this point! If you're well beyond that range, this is definitely not your ideal - do let me know know what would be more ideal for you from a comp and KPI stand point and I'll gladly reach out when that comes across my desk."

15. Kristen ScanlonFebruary 20,2022 at 10:46PM UTC

    Thank you for this answer. It truly helps to hear from people who are recruiters. I currently have a situation where the pay is the same as a temp and as a direct hire, which I’m regretting saying the direct hire amount to be that amount. I’m going to need $2500 more a year for a direct hire position, but now I feel locked in when talking to the hiring manager as they are already being pushed higher than what they want to pay. The recruiter is also advocating for me so it’s a tricky situation. Thank you for helping get people into positions. It’s not always an easy road!

16. Violet Cassidy-Maroke (She/her)February 21,2022 at 1:56PM UTC

    Totally agree with this. Unfortunately many companies don't clear recruiting professionals (like me) to disclose salary. It's also in how you ask. Go about it nicely, tactfully. Otherwise, personally that's all I think you are interested in /red flag for flight risk.

17. AnonymousFebruary 20,2022 at 3:13PM UTC

    Always ask first!
    I’ve wasted time in the past going through interviews only to discover a very low salary. I also ask about benefits because Health insurance is key to me.

18. Wendy ScottFebruary 20,2022 at 6:09PM UTC

    Yes, otherwise everyone is wasting their time. In Learning & Development which is my field, sometimes jobs are misrepresented by job title because the hiring manager does not understand the role. I have applied for Manager jobs which I discovered were offering an entry level salary when I spoke to the recruiter. Neither the recruiter or the hiring manager wants to waste time with a candidate that will never accept the job.

19. Amelia AmouryFebruary 20,2022 at 6:29PM UTC

    No it’s not. My response to recruiters in email before a call:

    Hi XYZ.

    Thanks for reaching out. Can you share some additional details?

    1. How many rounds of interviews & expected start date?

    2. Is it 100% remote?

    3. What is the budget/rate for this role?

    customize it to your liking!

20. Stephanie F, MSHRMFebruary 20,2022 at 10:28PM UTC

    This... Because there is no sense in wasting your time or theirs.

21. AnonymousJune 17,2022 at 10:51PM UTC

    We always put the range in the job description. By companies not doing this, they are creating unnecessary expenses. By asking the recruiter if it's not listed, you are actually doing that company a favor.