Compensation discussion

Compensation discussion

Hi! I had a great 1st interview with an organization with the second currently being scheduled. I noticed something strange when I was looking at the job post online that was not there when I printed it out originally (yes, I print out the job postings so I can write my notes all over it). The pay is slightly off from the original post - about $5k less. When do I bring this up? Via email when scheduling or at the end of the next interview? I was ok with the originally salary (was hoping to negotiate anyway) but this $5k discrepancy is alarming to me.

The original interview was strictly 30 minutes about the organization, the department and the role and how my experience may be a good fit. It was intense but very informative and good (one of the better interviews in my 15 year career).

Thoughts?

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16 Comments

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  1. Anonymous

    Bring it up at the end of your next interview or when they bring it up, "Thank you for mentioning the salary, as I believe I noticed from the posting I printed out and how it's posted currently that the salary range has been updated, can you please confirm what the budgeted range will be so that we are all on the same page'. If they h

  2. Anonymous

    Thank you!!

  3. Mindy Claggett

    I wouldn't bring up ANY salary discussions until they present you with an offer. Go through your interviews, impress the hell out of everyone, and then see what they come in at. Always try to negotiate, no matter what they offer -- it never hurts to ask for more. If that results in a rescinded offer, you didn't need to work for them, anyway. If they have no room to bump up pay, ask for additional PTO days -- I did that at a previous role and was able to get an additional week of vacation. No matter what you negotiate, be sure to get it in WRITING. Good luck!

  4. Anonymous

    Thank you!!!

  5. Anonymous

    So with the first interview, was salary discussed at all? If so, did you tell them what you are looking for? If it was not discussed, I would imagine (hope) that it would be discussed before a written offer is presented. If you are working with a recruiter through this process, I would mentioned it, "hey, original job posting stated that x was the salary, but I see now that it is y. Which is it and is there some flexibility in what is offered?"

  6. Anonymous

    Hi. It was not. It was simply about the org and the position.

    I plan on discussing it at the 2nd interview but was wondering if I should bring it up via email as we are scheduling?

  7. Anonymous

    I will tell you that these days, people (people as in candidates) are a lot more up front about their wants and needs salary-wise and I'm of the mindset don't waste my time or yours if what you are offering is where I want to be. Since they posted the job with a salary, ask. Maybe clean up what I originally suggested and use that.

  8. Amy Collins

    Do not raise the topic of compensation. Let them ask you. Take your range and add $ before replying. "I'm currently interviewing for positions in the X-X range." I would stay away from mentioning the written proof that you have about the change in salary...Better to take the high road and focus on the total compensation and benefits package, not just the pay.

  9. Anonymous

    Thank you!!

  10. Anonymous

    Salary is meant to be negotiated. After you’re offered the job, ask for more anyway.

  11. Lauren Worth

    In some states, changing the job ad after interviewing candidates is a violation for pay transparency rules.
    You are actually required to pull the job ad down, repost, and let active candidates know if they would still like to be considered to reapply.
    If you are offered the position, be honest about what you are looking for. If their budget has changed, and it no longer aligns with where you want to be financially, I would ask more questions around total rewards compensation to see if maybe some of that cost is made up in other benefits, such as paid medical, 401(k) contributions, or other employee paid benefits.

  12. Anonymous

    The company reconsidered their budget based on the responses drim candidates. If the talent pool is rich with great applicants the company could get someone for far cheaper than they realized.

  13. Anonymous

    They cut the pay range.

    If they make you an offer negotiate and feel free, if advantageous, to mention that $5K higher was advertised in the ad that you applied to.

    Or, if the $5K reduction is a deal-breaker, withdraw your application.

  14. Gabriela Meinerz

    Hello!! they probably will ask your salary expectations or if their offer works for you at the end of the next interview, I believe that would be the best moment to approach this, if they don't get to these questions, then at the end of the next inteview would be my suggestion anyway.

  15. Anonymous

    I think, given the response to the original posting, they found they could lower the salary and still find a great candidate. They sound cheap.

  16. Anonymous

    Just ask the question directly, ask it as a clarification but do know that bringing up compensation before you get an offer can sometimes be a flag for the company when considering you. If it were me I would let it go for now. If you get to the offer stage then you can bring it up.

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