Is this a common hiring practice?

[booker20]

So I was talking to a friend of mine who is like a plant manager at a factory (don't know his exact title) the other day, and he mentioned they were struggling to fill some positions.

I went ahead and emailed him my resume, and he forwarded it on to HR.

Well, he said that they were very interested in me, but they wanted to know a salary range that I would accept so that they didn't waste time interviewing me for something that I would turn down.

I have no idea how to answer that... Seems like a trap lol.

Any ideas?

 

[ericram]

So I was talking to a friend of mine who is like a plant manager at a factory (don't know his exact title) the other day, and he mentioned they were struggling to fill some positions.

I went ahead and emailed him my resume, and he forwarded it on to HR.

Well, he said that they were very interested in me, but they wanted to know a salary range that I would accept so that they didn't waste time interviewing me for something that I would turn down.

I have no idea how to answer that... Seems like a trap lol.

Any ideas?

It's pretty common to say what salary you want for a job. Why do you have a problem with that?

 

[EveryoneBleedsGarnet]

I have a relatively small company (about 10 employees) and I pre-screen candidates over the phone and my last question is something to the extent of, what kind of salary do you need to make to fill a role like this one?

It's helpful to know where they are at and not waste time on unreasonable candidates. I've also ruled people out for responding to that in an uncharacteristic way.

For example I had a job posted for a marketing specialist and the salary range was listed at $40-50k starting, and when I asked him what he needed to make he said $13 an hour... For him to answer with an hourly figure for that type of position came across as low/no experience in executive roles and a bit desperate. I typically want to hire people that show they are on an upward career trajectory, not someone that is unemployed and desperate.

 

[booker20]

It's pretty common to say what salary you want for a job. Why do you have a problem with that?

Not a problem, it just seemed odd to me, especially since it wasn't about any particular position.

I have a relatively small company (about 10 employees) and I pre-screen candidates over the phone and my last question is something to the extent of, what kind of salary do you need to make to fill a role like this one?

It's helpful to know where they are at and not waste time on unreasonable candidates. I've also ruled people out for responding to that in an uncharacteristic way.

For example I had a job posted for a marketing specialist and the salary range was listed at $40-50k starting, and when I asked him what he needed to make he said $13 an hour... For him to answer with an hourly figure for that type of position came across as low/no experience in executive roles and a bit desperate. I typically want to hire people that show they are on an upward career trajectory, not someone that is unemployed and desperate.

Well at $13 an hour he would certainly save money lol

 

[ericram]

Not a problem, it just seemed odd to me, especially since it wasn't about any particular position.



Well at $13 an hour he would certainly save money lol

Bring in the hiring manager position, it is essential we know we can meet on the salary before we proceed with the process. If you say want $100k and the position is for $40k then let's not waste anyone's time.

 

[cgj0198]

If they are having trouble filling the position it could be due to the salary. They want to know how off apart your asking salary is. Not uncommon.

 

[booker20]

I just don't have any point if reference is the issue. Not knowing what position they could be looking at me to fill.

One position I talked to my friend about paid 52k, so I just presented a number slightly larger than that.

 

[ericram]

I just don't have any point if reference is the issue. Not knowing what position they could be looking at me to fill.

One position I talked to my friend about paid 52k, so I just presented a number slightly larger than that.

Most people when changing jobs want more money so don't sell yourself short.

 

[booker20]

Most people when changing jobs want more money so don't sell yourself short.

That's part of the issue lol... Guess we'll see what they come back with.

 

[ReliableOstrich]

I routinely ask engineers and developers I interview for a ballpark on their compensation requirements at the end of phone screens.

No point wasting anyone's time moving forward if they'll ultimately reject an offer due to salary being completely off base.

As an aside, I'm looking to hire a full stack engineer (python, django, postgres, aws) and an Android developer. If you or anyone you know is interested. Would be contract and remote, at least initially, with minimal domestic travel from time to time.

 

[squiffynole]

You don't want to low-ball yourself, I'd feel better about their business practices if there were a job announcement with a scope of work and anticipated salary.

 

[booker20]

You don't want to low-ball yourself, I'd feel better about their business practices if there were a job announcement with a scope of work and anticipated salary.

Precisely. That was why I asked... It's like I'm pigeonholing myself.

 

[Spearhead04]

You have to start somewhere....kind of silly to ding someone who is just trying to get their foot in the door. They could be a quality candidate.

 

[ZZ828]

It has been over 10 years since I have had to interview for a job. However, anytime a question like this came up when interviewing with a company or recruiter, I would always tell them the salary I was currently making, but I was willing to listen to any fair offers.

Sometimes better benefits might offset any decrease in salary. The company might offer other incentives that would make me want to work for a lower salary (better vacation policy, flexible hours, telecommuting, etc). Commute might be shorter that saves money on gas and wear and tear on the car. I tend to take all those factors into account.

 

[FlashFSU]

Always make them say the first number.

 

[booker20]

Always make them say the first number.

Problem with that was I merely sent in my resume... I didn't apply to a particular position. Because of that, they wanted a number to use as their reference as to what to interview me for in the future.

Otherwise I agree.

 

[FlashFSU]

Problem with that was I merely sent in my resume... I didn't apply to a particular position. Because of that, they wanted a number to use as their reference as to what to interview me for in the future.

Otherwise I agree.

20% more than you currently make?

 

[booker20]

20% more than you currently make?

I've never worked in this industry, and all I had to go by was the knowledge of the pay of one position, so I sent them a figure 10% higher than the only salary I am aware of. .. with the caveat that it all depended on the job and what it entails.

 

[FlashFSU]

I've never worked in this industry, and all I had to go by was the knowledge of the pay of one position, so I sent them a figure 10% higher than the only salary I am aware of. .. with the caveat that it all depended on the job and what it entails.

Good luck then. Let us know how it goes

 

[booker20]

Good luck then. Let us know how it goes

Absolutely... But the last communication I got was that they will be in touch as positions become available.

So we'll see!