I just got hired on to a new position my first day is tomorrow.

18 Comments

1. AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 12:44AM UTC

   You really need to know what you're salary will be. I would ask that upfront within the first hour or so of your first day (tomorrow). It's possible that the district and/or school is short-staffed but it's a bit of a concern that you haven't been given anything in writing. You can still take that interview while being "employed" at the other.

2. AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 1:04AM UTC

   just wouldn’t know how to go about that being that they want me to interview on Friday. Would I just make up something as to why I’m going to be late?

3. Lori Laurito BetzSeptember 23,2022 at 5:15PM UTC

   Tell them you have an important appointment that was made before this job was started that you can’t reschedule

4. AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 2:41AM UTC

   Just postpone your start date until you have settled on your compensation package. That delay will also allow you time to interview for this second job.

   Who knows, you may end up with 2 competing offers.

5. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 22,2022 at 5:03AM UTC

   My advice would be to not start until you come to an agreement regarding your compensation. I have never heard of a company expecting someone to start without them knowing what they would be making. This is a gigantic red flag for me and super fishy. Now is the most leverage you're going to have so use it.

   Absolutely take the interview you were called about - see if they can do it quickly.

   I would not skip the job that wants you to start - I would just let them know that you will not be starting until you all have come to an agreement on compensation.

6. Shelly EdwardsSeptember 22,2022 at 1:57PM UTC

   For me it is always a red flag if they won't talk about compensation before they expect me to take a position. I will not start a job without knowing exactly what I will be paid and what benefits come with said job. It is highly unprofessional for any organization, but especially a school to not discuss that first. They have a board who must approve hires and wages before the interview process so they should know what they are going to pay. I understand your need to take any job, but make sure you find that out so you know. If you aren't happy with it, keep working while you keep looking. Good luck!

7. Amy ConwaySeptember 23,2022 at 12:23PM UTC

   I do not know what state you are in, some states require an offer letter with compensation (wish all did!). Nevertheless, never start a job unless you have agreed to the compensation. As an HR professional this stuff drives me nuts to hear, sorry you experiencing this. Ask the other place to adjust the interview time to meet your schedule!

8. Jacqueline CutlerSeptember 23,2022 at 12:28PM UTC

   This raises red flags. If it is a public school, all salaries should be set and known. Call and ask. I wouldn't start without knowing the salary and benefits.

   If it is a private school, I would call and ask. Anyone should understand that you need to know this. If they decline, run.

9. AnonymousSeptember 23,2022 at 1:17PM UTC

   I agree it raises red flags.

   Unfortunately, it's not always the case that schools know what the salaries are (even if they are set). My husband works in public schools and a lot of districts have no idea what the salaries will actually be because of nuances in how they calculate experience and where they are in union negotiations among other things.

10. Lyn K.September 23,2022 at 12:44PM UTC

    I would absolutely never start a job without the compensation package in writing. Take the other interview. You never know what will happen.

11. AnonymousSeptember 23,2022 at 3:07PM UTC

    Definitely go to the other interview. It will boost your confidence that you already have another job lined up. If they ask you what your salary requirement is, ask the question:“Would you know what the position is budgeted at?” they should be able to give you the salary range.

    As far as your new job, you may want to ask them if you can pick the “offer letter” up in person. I would be just as concerned as you are about not knowing what the starting salary is.

12. AnonymousSeptember 23,2022 at 3:49PM UTC

    So wait...you accepted a position, start tomorrow, and don't know what the salary is? I was unemployed for four months earlier this year, so I get the desperation but if it's this much of a hot mess now, before you even start, just pass.

13. AnonymousSeptember 23,2022 at 4:14PM UTC

    I don’t understand how they could make a job offer and you except without any knowledge of salary? I have never seen that happen I don’t think I would start until I know or even accept the position without knowing , did they give you benefits? Information on anything ?

14. Crystal HowellSeptember 23,2022 at 7:51PM UTC

    What kind of school is this? HR hasn't given you anything to sign, take the new job with the salary close to home, save on gas! Just be courteous and let the school know, something came up.

15. Suzanne Luscombe ChamblissSeptember 23,2022 at 8:56PM UTC

    I cannot imagine starting a job without having discussed the pay rate. That's just weird. So you just show up to your first day and... ?

    Go on the other interview!

16. Debra WheatmanSeptember 27,2022 at 1:15PM UTC

    Go to the other interview. Not having a discussion about salary in advance of starting a position is not normal.

17. Robyn McCabria KelsoSeptember 28,2022 at 12:05PM UTC

    Check their website- districts usually post salary schedules - maybe they expected you to look for it? I agree not great practice, but most have public salary schedules.

18. AnonymousOctober 10,2022 at 12:08AM UTC

    Start the new job - a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. But, also keep the interview and see how things work out.