Re: Job interview - Salary negotiation? - Page 3

michellegirl · ‎03-12-2010

I find this post particularly interesting because I completely understand the dilemma. Last year I applied for quite a few jobs because I was looking for other opportunities. I was surprised to see that EVERY job that I applied for REQUIRED you to complete a SALARY HISTORY as you listed each of your previous positions. And, because it was an online application, oftentimes you couldn't "trick" the system to write in "TBD", etc.; you had to write a legitimate number. This really bothered me because I didn't feel that it was appropriate for companies to ask me to disclose all this personal information. After all, I am just APPLYING for a job and don't even know if I will be considered. Even if I am in the interviewing process, is it appropriate for an organization to expect an applicant to disclose their entire salary history? In addition, my salary expection or current salary was often the first question asked during my initial phone interviews.

I understand that companies don't want to get too far into the interviewing process only to find that the salary they can offer will not be acceptable to the applicant. But I also know that the first person who reveals their number oftentimes loses (and can short-change themself). But the problem is that the salary a person makes while in other positions/jobs oftentimes has nothing to do with the position they are applying for since the typical reason someone is looking for a new position is for advancement and more pay. Additionally, until you are engaged in the interviewing process with an organization and have the opportunity to learn more about the job, it is pretty difficult to come up with a salary expectation.

I am glad to see that some states are implementing laws to protect the applicant's personal information. I wish all states did.

It's frustrating, as a job-seeker, to experience that the hiring companies have more & more power in this job market. The job-seeker wants to advocate for themselves but also doesn't want to "shoot themselves in the foot." Unfortunately, there is not much room for error in the process.

I appreciate all the posts on this topic.

-Michelle

beach-mom · ‎03-09-2010

You are all so sweet! Thank you for the good wishes for her!

Her interview went well. There was a panel of 3 executives, including the company CEO. He has a lot more people to interview, so we'll see. I just want her to stay positive, no matter what happens. Whether or not he thinks she's a good fit, at least now she has more experience with interviewing. BTW, salary never came up!

She has a good job now, but her company has been bought out. At first it seemed fine, but the new company is not delivering what they promised. So she's ready for a change.

This would be a great opportunity for her - I'll keep you posted!

GCR18 · ‎07-03-2013

I work for a large corporation. Salary isn't talked about until the last interview. If your resume and GPA make the cut, you are either interviewed in person or over the phone. If you pass the first interview, you are flown to the corporate office for round two. Round two consists of four 45 minute interviews. The last person that interviews you asks what your salary requirements are. Say we pay $50k. If someone says $65k, they would be skipped over. Have to do your homework on what the field pays.

beach-mom · ‎03-09-2010

UPDATE: DD just told me she didn't get it. They hired someone who currently has the same position at another location. She received an e-mail from the CEO. Oh, well. She's disappointed, but I told her she can't give up. This just wasn't the right place for her.

Thanks again everyone - at least she has all of the good advice you all gave her.

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@beach-mom wrote:
UPDATE: DD just told me she didn't get it. They hired someone who currently has the same position at another location. She received an e-mail from the CEO. Oh, well. She's disappointed, but I told her she can't give up. This just wasn't the right place for her.

Thanks again everyone - at least she has all of the good advice you all gave her.

@beach-mom

Sorry ... but this wasn't her job, obviously. Well, the benefit is she is now more experienced in the interview process!

beach-mom · ‎03-09-2010

@Tinkrbl44 wrote:
@beach-mom

Sorry ... but this wasn't her job, obviously. Well, the benefit is she is now more experienced in the interview process!

Thanks @Tinkrbl44! She's a little disappointed right now, but at least she has a job right now - so many don't. She will try again when something opens up for her!