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Original poster

Is it acceptable to ask about pay at interview?

39 replies

Fastandfree · 13/10/2019 20:41

Evening all

I've not had a proper interview in 9 years, back then it was a big no no to ask about pay at interview, is that still the case? Or is there a sensible way to ask?

Last time I was offered the job via email and even then I wasnt told about pay I had to ask which felt awkward and I'd rather try and find out about it sooner.

This is a new role in a new company so I'm struggling to guess what it might be. I quite like my current job so pay would be a deciding factor

OP posts:
Dogsaresomucheasier · 13/10/2019 20:42

Completely reasonable to ask!

gwackywacky · 13/10/2019 20:42

Yes of course you ask, you're not a servant. I think the days of cowering before your employer are over, I mean it's a two way street they arent doing you a favour

newnameallround · 13/10/2019 20:42

I always have if it hasn't been stated on the advert!

Sillyscrabblegames · 13/10/2019 20:43

I've never been for an interview where I had zero idea about the pay for the role. What industry are you in?
It's not the place to raise it at the interview, let them offer the role, and then ask what the pay range is. And aim high!!

supermommyof4 · 13/10/2019 20:44

I usually ask at the end of the interview, sometimes they tell you what your pay is during the interview and at the end they usually ask if you have any questions and thats when i ask if they have not already mentioned it. After all it is something we need to know.

ivykaty44 · 13/10/2019 20:44

We can’t take a job unless we know what the wages are, so at some point if the information hasn’t been forthcoming then you’d need to ask.
It’s better if they sort out before the interview stage as otherwise it’s a waste of time for both sides if the remuneration isn’t sufficient

NoDontLookAtMeImShy · 13/10/2019 20:45

Why don't they state this?? It really annoys me!

Is it because they think their job is so fantastic that people should want to apply without having any idea what the salary is?!

I absolutely hate being put in the position to have to ask, when it is a game changer.

I once went through 3 interviews for managerial position just to find out at the end the pain was absolutely horrendous. Barely minimum wage.

What a waste of everyone's time!

EarPhones · 13/10/2019 20:46

I would wait until later stages of interview, specially if they have an HR round scheduled

ShagMeRiggins · 13/10/2019 20:50

Why do they think people work, if not primarily for pay?

It’s ludicrous to withhold that information and you should ask directly (and know what you will and won’t accept).

Madness.

Peony99 · 13/10/2019 20:52

I'd call before the interview and ask.

No point wasting everyone's time if it's not what I'm after.

I interview quite a lot. Usually via headhunters so the candidates know the range before they get to me, but I always make sure I talk about it in the first round of interview anyway, to make sure we're on the same page.

missmouse101 · 13/10/2019 20:56

Of course do ask! It's the very reason most people have a job! Just be yourself and be confident!

WineIsMyMainVice · 13/10/2019 20:58

My advice would be to make sure that it’s not the only question you have to ask! Ask some questions about the business, the structure of the team etc. Then ask about pay.
Good luck!

Robs20 · 13/10/2019 20:59

I would ask what the salary bracket is before the interview. Then if it is less than you are looking for, you can let them know/ decline the interview.

cstaff · 13/10/2019 21:09

I would need to know in advance. No point in going for a job that is paid less than the one you would be leaving.

Original poster
Fastandfree · 14/10/2019 06:55

Thank you all. I'll think of a few questions I can ask. I did find it annoying the pay wasnt advertised

OP posts:
LizzieBananas · 14/10/2019 06:57

I work in education. Most schools will tell you at interview, at least when newly qualified, what they expect to pay you. Otherwise, you are expected to ask before accepting.

However, having a national pay scale (even if many schools don’t have to stick to it) probably makes that a lot easier.

MoodleJam · 14/10/2019 07:00

Yes, it is like a business transaction. Both sides need to like what they see.

transformandriseup · 14/10/2019 07:11

Years ago I wouldn't have asked until I was offered the job but now I have a family I will be asking during the interview or if it's through a recruitment agency they can find out for you or can help persuade the company to pay more. I think salaries should always be advertised (especially if paying under the national average wage).

MoviesT · 14/10/2019 07:15

I personally wouldn’t ask in the interview if it’s for a big company with a team dealing with the recruitment, I would find out from the recruiter before the interview. Then you know whether it’s worth going to interview.

Rainbowhairdontcare · 14/10/2019 07:16

Please ask! I once got a job (and worked it) without knowing the pay. I was stupid and when I left the manager had the pizzazz to tell me I didn't listen

heidiwine · 14/10/2019 07:17

I work in the private sector and I would never:

  1. go to an interview without knowing the salary range for the job
  2. bring up salary during an interview Because I don’t think doing either would be professional. I would always discuss salary when offered a job and always try to negotiate up at that point (either and increase in basic pay or additional benefits).
HalfManHalfLabrador · 14/10/2019 07:17

Of course you ask Confused

Hopingtobeamum · 14/10/2019 07:18

Yes it's totally fine. I wouldn't go to the interview without knowing the pay, no point wasting either of our time if salary isn't what it needs to be.
I'd have an idea of what salary you want / need before you go in. Good luck

HelloAgainYou · 14/10/2019 07:49

Ask before you go. As PP have said, no point going if it's less than what you're on.

readingismycardio · 14/10/2019 08:25

When I was job hunting last year I actually asked over the phone. It would be such a waste of my time and the interviewer's. Some were quite snarky about it but it was only because pay was inimaginably low