Interview & Salary Issue

Martin567

I just wanted to get a few opinions about a salary issue for a new job for which I've applied.

I've been in my current job for a few years. For various reasons I'm looking for a change and I've started applying for a few things in recent weeks. I found a position advertised about a month ago which is very similar to my current role. As described in the ad, I've got all the right experience, etc, etc, and so I applied for it.

I applied by email, with CV and cover letter, direct to the employer as requested in the ad. I didn't get any acknowledgement back so I phoned up a few days later to make sure they'd received my application. They had received it but they said that they were simply forwarding on all applications to a HR company which was managing the recruitment process for them. I was told not to expect to hear anything for at least a couple of weeks as the deadline for applications was quite a way off.

I later did a further internet search and managed to find the HR company's website where I again found the ad. It was identical to the ad I had already seen on several other sites except for one additional line. This extra line specified an approximate salary whereas none was mentioned on any of the other sites. I was surprised to discover that the salary mentioned is about 30% less than my current salary! This is a senior role and the company involved is of a very similar profile to my existing employer. There is a large discrepancy between the experience and responsibilities described in the ad and the salary per the HR company's website. This salary is also completely out of sync with similar roles advertised in this industry. I almost certainly wouldn't have applied if I'd seen that salary in the original ad.

I've now been asked to attend an interview next week and I'm looking for opinions on the correct approach. I wouldn't normally raise the salary issue in an initial interview but I don't want to be wasting either my time or theirs. If I were to be offered the job, 30% seems like a gap that is very unlikely to be bridged. I'm inclined to attend anyway just for the interview practice but I'm unsure as to whether to mention that I've seen the HR company's website. Would it be better to wait for them to bring up salary?

tempnam

You have nothing to lose by attending the interview in any case.

If it were me, I'd go along for the interview practice at least.

You're jumping the gun with the salary issue. This will usually only be discussed/negotiated if they decide to offer you the job... Maybe wait until then to talk about that.

If it goes well and they offer you the job (at the 30% less salary) just be honest and say you cannot accept such a reduction in your current earnings. See how it goes from there.

Best of luck with it all whatever you decide to do!

Irish_Elect_Eng

IT is possible that they are quoting the bottom end of a range, which is dependent on experience, or have simply made a mistake.

I agree with the previous poster, don't self-select yourself out of the process, get the job then discuss salary. Most companies are flexible for the right candidate. After all if you can demonstrate that you will return more value to the company than other candidates then the salary will be up for discussion.

At worst it's good interview practice and an ego boost if you get an offer.

Ray Palmer

I would disagree with the suggestion of ignoring the salary. Simply ask the salary range over the phone before the interview as you only saw the ad with a salary after you applied.

There is no point wasting your own time or theirs if the salary is not in line with your expectations or industry norms.

It is not uncommon for a company to pay a lot less than the going rate especially in this climate.

I have turned down interviews after hearing their salary range and received calls later on from the same company with higher salary. Sometimes shortly afterwards and sometimes a while later after they interviewed people who would accept the salary.

Don't sell yourself short.