Asking about salary during recruitment process

[spongebobsleftsock]

Hi everyone,

Is it normal to apply for a job and go through the whole process to point of offer without knowing the salary the potential employer is offering?

I'm currently applying for a senior position within a large financial services organisation, had the first interview which went really well and now onto round two which includes a particularly gruelling presentation in front of the whole leadership team and an enormous amount of prep work. This is a direct hire rather than via a recruitment agency, and I was approached by the hiring manager as we've known each other for years.

However, they won't tell me what the salary is, even a ballpark figure. I've asked twice, and they've said this is something to be discussed if I'm successful on the next (final) stage. They do definitely have a figure in mind.

I'm just finding this a bit strange as in previous positions I've always had an idea of salary prior to interview, and I'm slightly worried that I am going to be doing hours of work to prep for this interview and might end up not taking the job because the salary doesn't meet my needs.

Does anyone have experience of this? Is it weird or am I just lucky to have not come across this before?

[TurkeyTrot]

What is the role and what salary are you thinking of? Maybe someone here can help.

[GrumpyHoonMain]

They are probably waiting to see if there are qualified internal applicants first, and will set expectations with you once that is done.

[V1Rotate]

I hate it when they don't advertise the salary.
I just applied for a job where it said the applicants had to stare their salary expectations.

Why can't they just be straight?

[Fressia123]

This happened to me with Amazon. I only had clarity about the salary knce I got the job offer.

[BYGIDAFY]

@spongebobsleftsock any update?

[spongebobsleftsock]

@BYGIDAFY not for the salary, interview is Tuesday so hoping I'll get an answer by the end of the week and if it's positive then I'll be able to start talking to them about money.

[spongebobsleftsock]

Hi all, just a quick update!

Had the interview Tuesday and I think it went really well. Just had an email from them to confirm my notice period and also asking me to confirm salary expectations.

I honestly don't know what to say. I could either be honest and give them a rough ballpark figure, or I could play my cards close to my chest and say I'm currently on a competitive package with my employer and I await their thoughts on appropriate salary for the role.

To clarify I don't have an offer yet, but it's all sounding positive and I should know tomorrow/Monday.

Any advice?

[ReceptacleForTheRespectable]

Give them an ambitious figure. You know the industry etc, so you must be able to estimate what the market rate is? As I say, use the remuneration reports their competitors publish to get an idea, if nothing else is available.

If they're asked you to confirm salary expectations, I wouldn't say you await their thoughts. I'd give a straight answer to the question, and be conscious when replying that you may have to negotiate downwards (so start high).

[Trisolaris]

I would give a range of between 5-10k stating exact figure you would be willing to accept would depend on additional benefits. This is a key consideration to bear in mind as an excellent bonus scheme/pension/additional holiday is worth as much as base salary. If they don’t have great wrap around benefits but your current place does then that is a bargaining tool to be higher up the scale. If they do, it’s something to consider when making your decision and you aren’t fixed into an intractable negotiating position.

[spongebobsleftsock]

Thanks both,

I'd rather be clear than ambiguous, I agree. I think I just need to start believing that I am worth the kind of money I'd like for this role. Normally I'm quite decisive, but agree with pp that women do struggle to ask for a fair salary in a way that men don't.

[spongebobsleftsock]

Had a call with them, was honest and confident and explained my expectations. Amazingly I was only slightly higher than their benchmark. Will see what happens if and when I get offered the role.

Thanks all!

[ReceptacleForTheRespectable]

Result, hopefully you get it!