Asking salary range before applying (highest, interview, jobs, career)

[rkincaid]

I've read through the messages regarding getting ranges before interviews, but how about before even applying?

I saw a job I may be interested in advertised on linkedin. The job poster is public. Is it rude to ask for a salary range before applying?

[jaypee]

Apply and if/when they contact you, then ask.

[joe from dayton]

Anymore, I never apply for a job unless I know the salary range band or have reliable information that the range is appropriate; there is no sense in wasting everyone's time if they are not going to offer at least my minimum. Part of it depends on where you are in your career and if a foot in the door is more important than starting salary.

[macroy]

Originally Posted by rkincaid

I've read through the messages regarding getting ranges before interviews, but how about before even applying?

I saw a job I may be interested in advertised on linkedin. The job poster is public. Is it rude to ask for a salary range before applying?

Whether or not it's rude will depend on the person you're corresponding to. Basically what Jaypee said. Unless you're at a point where applying to the specific job will take a significant amount of time, it may be less risky to just apply first and then ask about the salary/benefit when you do that initial phone screen.

I understand this is anecdotal - but in the last 10 years (3 job changes), I've yet to walk into a face-to-face interview without knowing at least the salary range and some info about their bonus/benefits.

[rkincaid]

This is for a higher level position, in a mid size town. Trying to avoid putting my name out there if the job pays less than my current position.

[the minx]

Any good HR dept will give you a range. It's in their best interest to not have you apply if you're not interested.

[Eevee17]

If the range isn't posted, I don't bother to apply. I also don't bother to apply if the range is too big.

I'll never forget I went on an interview and I was told the salary was one thing before agreeing to the interview (the hugest amount of the range) for the person interviewing me to tell me the range was between less than what I was making to the highest amount. The best was earlier in the interview he asked my salary. Then he seemed upset I wanted the highest amount. I said, because I was disguised by being deceived and his attitude, 'Do you really think I'm going to change jobs to make less than I make where I am now?!". He sat there like the tool he was and I gathered my things and walked out.

[move4ward]

Salary info is not always disclosed, unless you go through a 3rd party recruiter. Once they know the salary range, they can look for the best candidate within budget.

I know most of the salaries for my position (SQL) at all the other companies from 2 main ways.


One, I applied their before and they said that I was over budget.

Two, I know somebody that works there or applied there also. I always have former colleagues on LinkedIn that will tell me the budgeted range. I always end up following a former colleaguethat left for more money.