Yesterday I was recruited by a large company for a Proposal Manager position for which I am very well-qualified.

Anonymous

March 25,2022 at 3:35PM UTC

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Yesterday I was recruited by a large company for a Proposal Manager position for which I am very well-qualified. The company is well known in its industry and hit all the right buttons. The position description, though was all over the place. It only required three years of direct proposal development experience, but they wanted this person to manage people, write the proposals, have a complete understanding of issues specific to someone with years of experience, and work with Indesign, etc. Still, it looked interesting but I am not really looking. So, I asked the salary range and the highest in their range was more than 30% less than what I make now. While I was flattered at first, should I be concerned that he thought I might be interested in a job with such low pay? Or is this a case of "It can't hurt to ask?"

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Angie CallenMarch 25,2022 at 5:05PM UTC
I'm often of the mindset that it never hurts to take the first call, but there are two red flags here that I think warrant the pause. The role sounds more junior than you're looking for, definitely, in pay! 30% is a BIG hurdle to cross to get that up to equal what you make now. Secondly, I'm weary of positions that lack focus. What the heck would you be getting yourself into?
That said, you may be a point of education to the recruiter and hiring team, so here's the flip side. Take the first call and see if you get more clarity from the recruiter on what they really want. If it still seems all over the place or that they're looking for a unicorn at a pay range not equal to their offering, you can be the voice of reason to say "well, here's what I see, and here's what it would take for me to consider this."
Then, you leave on a good note and you also don't have to wonder anymore!
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterMarch 25,2022 at 5:11PM UTC
Here's the issue, I think: recruiters can't tell from your job title how much you make - because job titles vary widely from company to company and because some job titles don't translate outside of that company.
If you like the company, I would indicate that you would need $____ for salary to make it feasible for you to leave your current job. They will either work to make that happen if at all possible, or send you on your way. Either way, you'll have closure.
AnonymousMarch 25,2022 at 5:33PM UTC
They are just shopping.....hence the 3 years of experience.
If they are serious they will speak with a wide range of folks and figure out very quickly what they truly need and the level of title, experience and compensation to pony up to fit this need.
I just took a new job, and I originally turned down their first attempt due to lower market compensation and what they originally were thinking they needed. They came back after talking to a bunch of candidates and recruiters with a substantially higher title, and 2x the compensation. They learned exactly what I knew.
I never told them anything other than that I was flattered but what they said they needed was well below my expertise but asked that they keep my resume and reach out again when the company grew to the stage where they needed someone at my level.
I gave them just enough to plant the seed. The rest they figured out on their own.
SamanthaMarch 25,2022 at 5:33PM UTC
I wouldn't say it's necessarily their fault. I've experienced that Recruiters or HR staff have no clue what the position actually does and are maybe given qualifications and duties and put them into a description. Additionally with their pay, I believe some companies are out of touch with paying quality people real world salaries. If you are interested in the company or position, you could talk to them, and maybe even explain - I think this could be a good fit but based on my experience, this is what I'm making, is there potentially a higher up position that also meets my qualifications? Idk doesn't hurt to ask.
Anecdotal - From personal experience, I just had this happen the other day. It was for a position in a similar field but for something I didn't have experience in. Through some conversation I learned that this is considered an entry level position and paying 30k less than what I make. I have 4 years of experience which includes management experience. I don't necessarily consider myself entry level anymore. I told the recruiter that 1, I'm not interested in an entry level position with my experience & 2, I cannot accept a position with that low of pay. I also always follow up with recruiters that if they have something that better fits my qualifications to please reach out.
Heather CutlerMarch 25,2022 at 6:05PM UTC
You got some good advice here and there's the potential to remain in touch with this recruiter if there are roles in the future better suited to your skill set and salary expectations. @Samantha hits this on on the head: totally OK to say I won't consider a move for anything under $XXX dollar amount / title band / management responsibilities, etc. This will give the recruiter an exact idea of where you need to be. BTW, nothing to be concerned about re: the pay for this role...this isn't you, the recruiter is trying to fill a slot and found your skill set appealing. Take this as a compliment and embrace this new networking contact.