Looking for advice when the interviewer won't give a salary range.

Anonymous

August 26,2022 at 6:40PM UTC

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Looking for advice when the interviewer won't give a salary range.

I applied for a job that I would really like, but there was no salary range on the posting. Fairly quickly, they got back to me to schedule a 15-minute zoom pre-interview (slight red flag: they messaged me Friday afternoon and the only options were all on the following Tuesday afternoon).

I ended up making the time work and was very surprised to discover that the 15 minute interview was with 4 people. Each asked me 1 question and then they ended the interview.

I received an email Thursday night asking me to come in for an in-person interview next week (again, with very limited time options). However, I live roughly 2.5-3 hours away; this was brought up and discussed in the 15 minute interview about if I was willing to relocate.

I responded quickly with the only day I could make the trip and also requested the pay range for the position. Normally I wouldn't bring up pay until later in the process, but since I will have to take an entire day off of work for the interview (and depending on the time slot I get, may opt for a hotel), I want to make sure the pay will be worth it.

The response I just received was a short "there is flexibility for the salary, what is the range [I] have in mind?"

In my experience when jobs are shady about the pay range, it's usually on the low side and I've already got a slightly iffy vibe given their fast-paced, yet inflexible interview style.

Any thoughts? Glassdoor and indeed weren't very insightful.

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Julie HumbirdAugust 26,2022 at 6:55PM UTC
You are correct that when they are shady, they know their range is low. They may also be attempting to showcase candidates that warrant a better range. I've been though this several times. They tell me the target is way low then say they can adjust for someone with my expertise. Personally, I do not interview without an understanding of the salary target.
AnonymousAugust 26,2022 at 7:18PM UTC
I would check with your network and see if you can create a range to respond with. Networking is great for this kind of thing.
If you're getting an iffy vibe I seriously would try an pin them down because I'm in agreement, they have offered no guidance and you're being asked to take time off to travel. I wouldn't do that blind.
AnonymousAugust 26,2022 at 7:45PM UTC
I'm not impressed with their lack of engagement and push for having you jump through hoops.
AnonymousAugust 26,2022 at 7:51PM UTC
I don't understand why they were not willing to be accommodating and allow a virtual interview via zoom.
Alot of employers allow this, especially if the person is so far away. If they still cannot give you an idea before the interview, I would ask if a zoom interview is an option. However, if the job is not remote at all, and you do not plan to relocate, might be better to move on to other potential jobs than deal with the odd vagueness.
You have to do the market research for your job based on the industry and locality. Whatever comes across as a pattern range, ask for $20-$30k more.
SLTAugust 26,2022 at 8:15PM UTC
Id pass on this. If they won't give you a range, ask 4 questions and the fact you saw red flags, walk.
You live 3 hours away??!!!!
JJAugust 27,2022 at 3:53PM UTC
Tell them your salary range is whatever the max is for the role/industry because that job is going to make your life more difficult if you do take it and relocate, so at least you’ll be getting your moneys worth.
AnonymousAugust 29,2022 at 6:49PM UTC
I ran into a similar situation recently! Everything seemed to move very fast, many red flags, then they asked what I wanted to make/how much money I needed to pay my bills (um, none of your business!). They tried everything to get me to accept the position, though in the end I declined.
Lara Ivey KauchakAugust 29,2022 at 7:08PM UTC
I would give them a range and ask them again to confirm their range stating that you don't want to waste anyone's time. You can also ask them for mileage or hotel since its such a long drive. If they are serious, they won't mind a few $ to help pay.
Cheryl NeasAugust 30,2022 at 1:02PM UTC
I agree with others that this is a red flag. But if you want to try one more time to get them to be the first to share a number, I sometimes have luck saying, “Salary is only one factor, it’s hard for me to share a range without knowing more about the full compensation and benefits package” (which is true—differences in the healthcare package they offer and the proportion they cover can easily be five figures in the end from one job to another if you actually use your healthcare). If they won’t tell you anything specific about the salary OR the benefits then you will really need to evaluate whether this is a place that makes sense for you.
I will also say that if they are involving multiple people in each stage of the interview process, the limited schedule options are not as much of a concern as the unwillingness to share salary. It’s tough to coordinate four or five people for the amount of time it takes to interview and that really may be the only times they all could make it work.
AnonymousAugust 30,2022 at 1:04PM UTC
They reached out on Friday and the availability times were for the following Tuesday. I don’t think that’s a red flag. If that time didn’t work you could
have proposed some alternates.
Every role has an approved budget. Ask what the approved budget is. Also, I’d ask for them to account for questions on your end as you are equally interested in the fit.
Shelby CAugust 31,2022 at 1:10PM UTC
I would not read too much into it.
For example, I had a phone interview where they would not discuss the pay range, but I knew it had to be more than I was making and was closer to home. I went for the in person interview and within fifteen minutes, he said, "Well, Rebecca likes you and she doesn't like anyone. She has already rejected over thirty candidates and she approved you. I like you. I am willing to give you ____. When can you start?"
I said, "Wow! That is very flattering! I like her too. We had a great chat and I am excited about the opportunity, but ____ (40% more) is more commensurate with the position and my experience." He said sold, I got an offer letter, and quit that day.
On the outside, the speed and way they acted was "odd" and they low-balled me, but they did that to everyone. They would throw out the bottom range of the salary for everyone. You don't get what you don't ask for.
I would check Glassdoor and see if you can get any info.
AnonymousAugust 31,2022 at 10:03PM UTC
FYI the correct word is commensurate. Otherwise your advice is perfect. :-)
Vanda LeeAugust 31,2022 at 1:27PM UTC
Give your range on what you've researched to be realistic to the market as well as what you are comfortable with. This will either move the interview forward or eliminate you as a candidate by them or yourself. Don't settle for less than you expect!
AnonymousAugust 31,2022 at 3:06PM UTC
I don't see a concern with the interview times or the response toward salary. Our company doesn't even internally share the salary of a proposed position. That usually comes at the interview. You can do general research for that company, positions and salary ranges to at least have an idea if it is worth your time. And they did answer your request saying it is flexible and what are you looking for. If you go back with some extremely high salary that they can't afford they should let you know immediately.
It is not uncommon to have set times for interviews when you have multiple people participating. They also may have had a large response to the posting.
If you are interested in the position and making a change take the interview. It doesn't have to mean you accept the position if offered if it isn't acceptable to you.