How bad did I screw upI responded to a job posting and had a phone interview this past week. Everything we discussed was awesome I know I can do this job, it will be enjoyable. Now here is the kick in the butt. The recruiter asks me what I am making now and caught off guard I told her EXACTLY what I am currently making. The salary range they posted was 45-55k I am currently making 33k hence why I responded. Did I screw myself here? She asked what you are making currently and not what your salary expectations or requirements were, so she was probably making sure that you didn't make more than the range posted. Since you make less, you may need to keep on guard for the salary to be lowered a bit, but I doubt that she has the authority to lower the salary range on her own. Thank you, for the response. I spoke with some friends and basically the echoed what you stated. I feel a bit better now. Screw yourself? The bottom of their range is 30-40% higher than what you are making now. Of course you did not screw yourself. As long as you sold yourself well in the interview and have solid references, the low salary won' t hurt you and there won' t be any negotiation but simply a job offer. My first instinct was..."Why the hell did I just say that". Everything I have read about discussing salary was to wait til the Co. made an offer. But I feel better about it now. I know what I need to go there and if they wont meet it then I need to keep hunting. I don't think you did any damage and the old discussion about not mentioning salary until the offer really doesn't apply. Unless you can't afford to go on interviews or the interview would create a burden, just don't bring salary up first. If an interview would cause problems, it is OK to clear the salary hurdle first if done with some tact. And you answered truthfully which was a good start. However in the future if there is a large difference between your salary and the salary posted, when you answer make sure to incorporate your salary requirement also. "My current salary is $33K, however my salary requirement is in line with the salary posted for this position of $45-55K." No you didn' t "screw" yourself because they' d find out your salary on a standard employment check anyway. It all comes down to how qualified you are for the job. And worst case, if they offered you the low-end of their scale, it' s still about $10k more than you' re making now. I have the second phone interview on Friday. Hopefully they will like what they hear and bring me in for a face to face. I researched the company and I am ready for action. I am definitely qualified, all I have to do now is convey that to these people. I have been waiting a while for an opportunity like this. I really appreciate all the responses in regard to my original posting. This site is excellent. A lot of good people. | |
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