When is it appropriate to ask the salary range of a position?

[Anonymous]

I had an initial interview on Friday. They asked my expected pay range on the application and I put $150k (which I knew was likely on the higher end). During the interview they brought it up and the VP asked me to "take into consideration that this role encompasses less duties than my current role when considering my requested salary range"). Basically, this new is more narrowly focused role encompasses about 70% of the duties at my current job. However, it's not like I would slack on effort or deliverables; I would just have more attention and time to thoroughly devote to those duties.

They want me to come into headquarters for a panel interview. This would be a 2 hour drive each way for me. Is it appropriate to ask the salary range of the position before scheduling that. I certainly don't want to waste anyone's time if we are not in the same ballpark.

The HR director sent me a more detailed job description, but under compensation it says "salary and incentives to be presented in an offer letter of employment". FWIW, I would seriously consider a job offer in the $135-145k range, but nothing lower as I am not necessarily unhappy in my current role.

[Anonymous]

I would ask the recruiter or HR Director to confirm the targeted salary or budgeted salary for the role before doing even a virtual panel interview, much less driving that much.

Like you said, a more narrow scope doesn't change how hard you would work on that scope.

[Anonymous]

DW has been interviewing and most of the organizations have been upfront about the range for the position during the initial HR screen. Doesn't make sense to waste everyone's time if the salary isn't where it needs to be.

[Anonymous]

Definitely confirm the range, OP. Tell them you understand the exact amount will have to wait until the offer, but you want to confirm that they can even make it into the range you are looking for.

[Anonymous]

In order to ensure that I don't waste anyone's time, I'd like to know the proposed salary range that is being considered for this opportunity.

[Anonymous]

Yes, definitely ask before driving. I had a recruiter try to get me to interview for a position $76k under my current salary. I don’t understand why people want to schedule interviews that are a total waste of time.

[Anonymous]

Recruiter here. Confirm the salary first. Especially since you'll have a 4 hour round trip drive.

[Anonymous]

I interviewed a ton last year; this always came up in the initial screening call.

I would definitely ask the recruiter (or HR director, if no recruiter) before you go. It sounds like they are going to come in low and bringing it up further down the road will only be more painful.

[Anonymous]

I ask for the salary range the first time I talk to the recruiter. Anything after that is a waste of my time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I ask for the salary range the first time I talk to the recruiter. Anything after that is a waste of my time.

I've had third party recruiters fudge the numbers. They know I am above the job's range, but they forward me on because it makes them look good to find suitable candidates. Make sure to confirm with the company's recruiter or HR.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DW has been interviewing and most of the organizations have been upfront about the range for the position during the initial HR screen. Doesn't make sense to waste everyone's time if the salary isn't where it needs to be.

This. The jobs I interviewed for (niche tech) all stated a range in the first phone screen.

OP, what industry is this? What type of role?

[Anonymous]

OP here- thanks for the advice. I emailed HR and asked and they responded that they can "address my questions" over a phone call today.