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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To get annoyed when job descriptions don't refer to salary

34 replies

squoosh · 22/05/2012 16:48

Why can't they state what the bloody salary is going to be or even if it's going to be on a scale between x and y.

It's not like I'm looking for a job with Goldman Sachs pondering if they're going to start me off on £5 million or £20 million. I just don't want to waste a couple of days on an application only to find out at the interview that the salary is five bob and a ball of string.

Annoying.

OP posts:
chocoroo · 22/05/2012 16:51

If it doesn't state a salary it's five bob and a ball of string.

HTH.

Original poster
squoosh · 22/05/2012 16:57

It's the bloody Arts, the ball of string will probably be their trump card.

OP posts:
farfallarocks · 22/05/2012 16:58

because often the salary is dependent on a person's experience, how much they like the person so they want to keep their options open.

I hardly ever see salary mentioned TBH

Piggychunk · 22/05/2012 16:58

I totally agree.. applied for job, had interview ( didn't ask salary as its a big no no in an interview) got offered job only to find out it was min wage..I had to turn it down as wouldn't cover childcare costs.

So pissed off as the job wasn't a school entry job as they wanted Sage and invoicing experience

Paiviaso · 22/05/2012 16:58

YANBU!

I am looking to change career, and so I am often looking through job listings so I can get a feel of how my career might progress, etc. Every. damn. job. listing. says "Salary competitive." If salary is competitive, then tell us what it is! If it is negotiable, then give a range and say "final salary dependent on experience."

(My new career will indeed be paying five bob and a ball of string, but I'd like to know if you can progress to six bob!)

farfallarocks · 22/05/2012 16:59

Don't worry, banking jobs just say salary: competitive!
Hardly ever advertised too

NarkedPuffin · 22/05/2012 17:01

YANBU at all. Unless you've been approached - and therefore they have an idea what you're already on and will at least match it - it's very foolish. I wouldn't waste my time on them.

StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes · 22/05/2012 17:01

if it gives a scale do you assume you start at the bottom and work up or somewhere up the scale according to last salary / experience?

Montblanc · 22/05/2012 17:01

Arrghhhh this used to drive me MAD job hunting, especially when they wrote:

£££excellent (!?!?)

I think it's a way for recruitment agencies to try and get loads of ultimately disappointed applicants.

Tee2072 · 22/05/2012 17:02

It is not a no no to ask in an interview. In fact, you most certainly should at least ask the range in an interview.

Any company that won't tell you even their range at the interview stage is a company you should avoid at all costs.

What many many people forget is that interviewing is a two way street. They aren't just interviewing you, you are interviewing them.

EmmaCate · 22/05/2012 17:04

YANBU in my opinion. My DH had to really battle to get a new recruit on the same or similar salary to others in the team doing the same work when HR said they wouldn't authorise a salary of £x because it was 'too big a step up' from what she was currently on.

I can only surmise that companies want to get away with paying the smallest amount and so don't tie themselves to a wage in the advertisement.

NarkedPuffin · 22/05/2012 17:04

Assume the top and let them talk you down. No-one ever chooses to pay you more if they think they can get away with less.

twofingerstoGideon · 22/05/2012 17:05

YANBU. It's a waste of everyone's time. Why would a potential employer even bother to interview people who would not be interested once they heard what a pittance was on offer? Job hunting is bloody time-consuming. Surely it's not beyond the employer's imagination that you actually NEED to know what you might earn before considering a job.

flowery · 22/05/2012 17:05

£££excellent in fact means £££notverymuch. If those writing the ad thought the salary was something that might be attractive, they'd include it.

NarkedPuffin · 22/05/2012 17:05

x posts EmmaCate Grin

Frontpaw · 22/05/2012 17:06

Its when they ask you how much you want. It gives the impression they have no idea what they are doing.

flowery · 22/05/2012 17:08

The purpose of job ads is to attract the right candidates and to ensure the wrong candidates self-select out and don't apply. For both reasons some idea of salary is important.

Piggychunk · 22/05/2012 17:08

2 fingers totally agree, writing an application well takes time. Then attending an interview ( sort out childcare, or take time off current job ) only to find out the salary is very little.

Whitershadeofpale · 22/05/2012 17:10

I agree, it always pisses me off as well when you go for an interview either direct or with an agency and they ask how much you currently get paid and then won't offer jobs that are higher.

I work for a big company with lots of perks that targets first jobbers as such they pay much lower than any other equivalant jobs but if there's a job that's exactly the same as mine but pays 5k more I wouldn't get a look-in.

JeanBodel · 22/05/2012 17:11

In the past I have actually rung companies like this and asked what sort of salary they are thinking of, to avoid wasting my time and theirs.

WetAugust · 22/05/2012 17:12

What really pisses me off is when they insist on a 'graduate'.

35 years of practical experience is nothing without a degree.

Their loss.

Original poster
squoosh · 22/05/2012 17:14

I've emailed the HR person but she has the cheek to be on holidays.

OP posts:
4goingon14 · 22/05/2012 17:17

Whitershadeofpale Yes I really dislike this as well with agencies in particular asking what you get then never look at an positions with a higher salary!! v.v. annoying.

Nothing worse then making a huge effort for a job only to be told it pays buttons.

I interviewed for a job after having DC that was very interesting...no salary listed...had to do a large project to get interview then had to prepare a presentation for interview. Then found out that after childcare, commuting and work expenses that I would have lost money!!

Nothing more frustrating.

Want2bSupermum · 22/05/2012 17:19

I quite like it that they don't list salary on jobs. I will call HR and ask what the range is because if it is too low then not worth my while to apply. If the range is acceptable then I have an opportunity to speak to them about the job. I normally start the converstion with, 'I admire your company and have been waiting for the right opportunity. Would you be able to give the me salary range for x position advertised? If too low, thank them and tell them it is too low but you would be interested if they were paying (whatever salary you want).' This approach has lead to me finding my way into roles which are better paid and have better prospects.

When I see more than one pound sign it I don't apply. Good jobs are not created by the type of people who think it is necessary to use more than one pound sign. To me, competitive means very open to neigotiation, consumerate with experience means rigid pay structure in place (not bad) and no mention of benefits means to expect overtime.

Want2bSupermum · 22/05/2012 17:22

When someone asks what your salary is answer 'I am looking for X per year.' Never give your current salary unless they ask a second time. If they do, give them the salary plus your benefits. Tell them you are not interested in moving for the sake of moving. You expect an increase in pay and more responsibilty down the road.