Odd Interview Question..................

[asphaltgambler]

Recently a potential opportunity came up and I sat down with this guy. All seemed to be going well by his line of questioning and body language. Near the end on the session he asks................

Him:" So...................what is the minimum salary you would accept?"

Me: "??? - That would depend on your salary range, which is not listed"

Him: "Yes as a general rule we do not publicaly post our salaries for open positions"

Me: " Understand completely........But why would you ask me a question like that?"

Him: ?????

Me " Given the responsibilty and requirements of this position I would imagine the salary range would be above market in this area"

Him: "Yes..........you could be right"

Me: "So if you are asking that question you are offering me the job?"

Him: " Possibly....................so what is your minimum requirements?"

Me: " it's $x.........................."

Him "Hmmmmmm.........not sure we can 'do' that."

Me: "I think this line of question is almost demeaning................I'll save you the time......I can't do that"

[M.D. Holloway]

Sounds like the guy was an idiot. Your better off...

[masraum]

I'm always asked what my "desired" rate is. I don't think I've ever been asked about my "minimum" rate. It's only one word, but it does seem to make a pretty big difference to the meaning of the question, doesn't it?

[krystar]

a company will always try to lowball you. just like you'll always try to highball the company. if the job was realy good, and he can't meet your salary requirements, then u can just say, well...if you can't meet salary, you'll have to make up in either PTO or other benefits

[Zeke]

Well, if he really did say, "....so what is your minimum requirements?"

I guess he is an idiot. Otherwise I don't see anything wrong with it. But, I don't interview.

[widgeon13]

The job market sounds brutal these days, glad I'm retired.

[VincentVega]

I dont see the big deal. Guy asked what you want, you give a #. It's it's not up to your level, say now or find a way to work around it. Less hours, different beni's, profit sharing... ? If no, say thanks, but no thanks.

[asphaltgambler]

This is/was a very mid-to-high level technical opportunity .................NOT entry level or sweeping the floors kind of thing. He DID say what IS your minimum..........................

Big difference than playing the salary "game" - My opinion is that he and maybe the company are *ssh*les

[URY914]

I had just about the same questions a few weeks ago in an interview.

I told him that when I negotiate I never name a never put a number on the table first. I never do when I'm buying a used car and I won't do it now. I also said I won't do it if I come to work for you.

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by krystar

a company will always try to lowball you. just like you'll always try to highball the company. if the job was realy good, and he can't meet your salary requirements, then u can just say, well...if you can't meet salary, you'll have to make up in either PTO or other benefits

Didn't used to be that way.
For a long time people in HR understood that if you lowball someone you not only risk losing out on a good prospect, you also negatively effect the person's productivity and also long term stability.
Offer too low and the employee will not be happy and will be more likely to go elsewhere. Waste of effort, company resources, and investment. Bad for the company.

But along comes gen-x business majors totally void of common sense, and they think it's their job to get a "bargain". Idjusts.

There are still some intelligent people involved in the hiring process but they are an endagered species.

I long for the days when common sense and intelligence were more prevalent in business. Get off my lawn.

[AirKuhl]

Originally Posted by krystar

a company will always try to lowball you. just like you'll always try to highball the company. if the job was realy good, and he can't meet your salary requirements, then u can just say, well...if you can't meet salary, you'll have to make up in either PTO or other benefits

I've hired many people (hundreds) and I never try to lowball. We look at market data for that position and skill set, then put an offer together that might be above, below or at market average depending on experience, skills, etc.

BTW, only the interviewer that's doing all the HR stuff should ever ask about salary, not the future boss, team mates, etc.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

I see this a lot lately especially on Craigslist and Monster postings: "include salary history" or "include salary requirements".

Avoid.

All it means is they're fishing for low bids to see what the minimum is. HR people do his all the time just to figure out the salary range for a particular position or skill set (because they have no idea). They have no intention of hiring you.

[john70t]

The corporate interface with employees and customers is quite lacking, sometimes.

This is just one person, a roadblock meant to be a partial roadblock.
I suspect if you really wanted to work for that particular company you could have left an ambiguous first impression, or gone to someone higher(no pun) on the ladder.
This still could be done.

Not knowing the original situation, I'll just say loosing one's cool during an interview over a mis-spoken question is a bad gesture. I'm a hothead at times, and have kicked myself in the leg too many times over some idiots lack of awareness.

You could say:
"Well, to my understanding (X-to-X) dollars is the going rate for this type of job. My qualifications and experience are (X) and I don't think my position is unreasonable. If you decide to contact me later for this position, I may reconsider your company".
Sell yourself, and let them know what they lost.

[asphaltgambler]

just a note BTW........... is I did remain calm through-out the process. My last reply was matter-of-factly. For me there is no other literal interpretation of this other than....What is the absolute least amount we could possibly pay you?

[aigel]

I don't think you should have pulled a number out of the hat. You can only lose: Too high and they think you are crazy. Too low and they think you may not be up for the job.

If they don't let you dodge the question, you just say what you make now. You then say that you will want to make more, naturally. But that you are more interested in the opportunity and that you are sure you'll work something out that works for both of you. Then change subject right away if possible.

It is very important not to scare the potential employer off. You need them to decide you are the one to hire and after that the negotiations take place.

Just my two cents. Hope this helps.

George

[Laneco]

This process is dysfunctional. It would be like trying to buy a car without a test drive and the seller won't tell you how much the car costs. But you are supposed to make an offer that may or may not be acceptable and you won't get a second chance.

Quite silly if you think about it.

It really puts you on the spot. I would like to know if you can afford me before I spend my time on an interview. Frankly, my time is worth something. If you are thinking five figures for the position, and I'm worth six we should probably not waste each other's time.

angela

[URY914]

The question also shows up in on-line job applications. I fill out about 10 a week.

[McLovin]

It's a standard bargaining technique - try to get the other guy to put out the first number.

[aigel]

I did not touch on this above, so here some more:

Of course the interviewer will want to know if the interviewee has realistic salary expectations. The salary discussion comes up in every interview. In a big company you will not even make it past the phone HR screener without being asked. It is to be expected and to be handled smoothly by the interviewee. It certainly isn't a reason to walk away from what could have been a great new job opportunity. The goal in any interview is to get an offer. Nothing less. I don't quite understand the outrage here. Was it handled well by the interviewer? Probably not, but it sure hasn't been handled professionally by the interviewee either.

Like I said, if asked, tell them what you make now (if it isn't embarrassing) and leave it at that. They will know they have to add some to it. Encourage them by saying that you are sure you will be able to work something out.

George

[URY914]

Just tell the guy..."I hope to make a hell-of-a-lot more that you do."