Should I ask about salary

steveouk

Hi

I am going to a recruitment fair tomorrow for a company that I really want to work for. I can't afford to take a big pay drop though. They are just getting roles set up etc so they are not quite recruiting at my leevl yet but will be soon. Should I ask the salary range ir minimum?

Les79

Well, I would imagine that such a question would be fair game in a recruitment fair... but maybe keep it slightly vague and ask towards the end after other questions. "What sort of salary range would you expect in X job?" etc.



Ultimately, though, they'll probably only be able to give you an educated guess at the moment as they'll probably agree their salary budget just before they post the job advert. The time for talking about the "big pay drop" is probably best being when they OFFER YOU THE JOB! Or maybe at interview stage if you feel that it is the right time (riskier).


May also depend on the TYPE of people they want in. You can usually fill positions for cheaper with less experienced staff, and you usually (but not always) have to pay a bit more for more experience.

Genuineguy03

I agree with above. They'll just be guessing, so no point asking them at the job fair. Instead focus on selling yourself to them, I.e. what you can offer them in terms of your experience, knowledge and key abilities that would be needed for said position. But also sell your personality and positivity too, as once you get them smiling and laughing along with you (and not at you.. So no bad jokes, just cheerfulness) they'll be hooked. Works for me every time I had a job interview. Its the vibe, you see. Its contagious.

TELLIT01

I agree that there isn't much point in asking salary range at this stage. More relevant possibly is to ask when the jobs are likely to be advertised.

dont_use_vistaprint

Of course you should ask, why would you not? Id ask directly about company bonus and benefits as they should have a good idea and possibly ask if salaries are good, competitive, market rate etc. The other option if leaving a CV is just tell them what you need to move.

Also remember if you really want to work for them, then you might consider a drop in basic at least. Iv'e done this several times, sometime you have to go back slightly to be able to move forward longer term. Whats the point of staying in a safe flat-lining company offer 2-4% a year, when another will give top performers 20-30% increase in years 1&2. Finally - great time to switch jobs in the UK right now.

kazwookie

If it is a company you want to work for, you need to sell, sell, sell yourself.

Get your foot in the door so to speak, then go from there.

trailingspouse

Who's doing the interviewing? I always think of myself as interviewing them - what do I need to know in order to decide if I want to work for them? And one of the things I would need to know is the remuneration package that's being offered.
Yes, you want to work for them - but not at any price.

System

I would think it odd of an applicant not asking the salary

Exodi

andydownes123 wrote: »

I would think it odd of an applicant not asking the salary

And I've had interviews in the past where a HR manager refused to discuss salary at the first stage. I really think it depends on the company/person/role. Obviously it can look disingenuous to ask about the salary then react accordingly after.