Got it Posted March 15, 2013 Posted March 15, 2013 I told them today at the interview what I was looking for, after I asked him if they are compensating by experience. He didn't seem to know anything about whether or not benefits were offered or have any idea what they were looking for as far as the wage. He just told me if I got the job, they would make an offer. But he did write down my wage request and questions regarding benefits. Nice people there, but I find it odd how the employees are not very well informed. Yep, that's exactly when the wage, # of hours and benefits questions were asked. Not according to this interviewer. I won't know until the offer is extended apparently, lol. Was it a hiring manager that interviewed you, HR, ? ? ? It seems very odd they don't seem to know anything and that would be a red flag for me on their structure and processes. It seems very disjointed. They are making a first impression as well with future employees (and depending on the business continuing customers/guests).
Author pink_sugar Posted March 15, 2013 Author Posted March 15, 2013 Was it a hiring manager that interviewed you, HR, ? ? ? It seems very odd they don't seem to know anything and that would be a red flag for me on their structure and processes. It seems very disjointed. They are making a first impression as well with future employees (and depending on the business continuing customers/guests). They said it would be HR...but it was the first guy I initially talked to on the phone, who then said a manager would call me. When she did, I had no clue who she was...so I thought it was for another job entirely. He had me show what I do for my current company and he asked how would I improve the current company's facebook page. When he got to asking what questions I had for him, I used that opportunity. I asked if compensation was based upon experience level, which I think is a little less tacky then "How much pay are you offering?"
Krytie TV Posted March 15, 2013 Posted March 15, 2013 Not sure what games you are speaking about here, maybe you could bring those to light. I don't think it is your right to know up front, to word it better would be that you should already be informed of what your skill set is worth and apply for jobs that fit your skill set, you will then know by default a rough bracket of what the job pays. This sounds like a no-brainer, Art, and we probably all agree this is the way it should be. I can tell you that in my hopefully STBX career, you can make absolutely no assumptions. Social service workers may be payed $45k in place x, while the same skill set will get you $34k in place Y and $29k in place Z. I know a range of 16K doesn't sound like much on its own but given its high proportion to the total, its huge for people in that field. Given that postings in this field identify a wage in their job posting < 10% of the time, the frequency with which your time can be a complete waste by even using the gas to go for an interview is striking. I would always recommend that if you have the luxury of job-seeking while having a job already, you make them tell you on the initial phone call what the salary range is. If I'm making $32K and am looking to move up, why would I bother being strung along for an hour only to hear they can pay you $30k? So no, it's not your right, but employers have no trouble treating employees like they owe them something, so this is the one time a person can set their worth up front and let the company follow their lead. Maybe it will turn some employers off, but so be it. Wouldn't want to work there anyway if demanding a certain compensation for my skills is offensive to them. Imagine how they would feel if I asked for a raise? 1
Author pink_sugar Posted March 15, 2013 Author Posted March 15, 2013 (edited) This sounds like a no-brainer, Art, and we probably all agree this is the way it should be. I can tell you that in my hopefully STBX career, you can make absolutely no assumptions. Social service workers may be payed $45k in place x, while the same skill set will get you $34k in place Y and $29k in place Z. I know a range of 16K doesn't sound like much on its own but given its high proportion to the total, its huge for people in that field. Given that postings in this field identify a wage in their job posting < 10% of the time, the frequency with which your time can be a complete waste by even using the gas to go for an interview is striking. I would always recommend that if you have the luxury of job-seeking while having a job already, you make them tell you on the initial phone call what the salary range is. If I'm making $32K and am looking to move up, why would I bother being strung along for an hour only to hear they can pay you $30k? So no, it's not your right, but employers have no trouble treating employees like they owe them something, so this is the one time a person can set their worth up front and let the company follow their lead. Maybe it will turn some employers off, but so be it. Wouldn't want to work there anyway if demanding a certain compensation for my skills is offensive to them. Imagine how they would feel if I asked for a raise? I cannot say how many times my husband has traveled and wasted time and gas for a company that ends up being commission only or stock only or some pyramid scheme. He almost drove 30 miles away to an interview that would have been a waste of time. I told him to call and ask details about the job's hours and wages before driving so far. He called and I was right...it was a commission only job and he almost wasted time and gas. Gotta research those things thoroughly and as plenty of questions. Edited March 15, 2013 by pink_sugar 1
Got it Posted March 15, 2013 Posted March 15, 2013 They said it would be HR...but it was the first guy I initially talked to on the phone, who then said a manager would call me. When she did, I had no clue who she was...so I thought it was for another job entirely. He had me show what I do for my current company and he asked how would I improve the current company's facebook page. When he got to asking what questions I had for him, I used that opportunity. I asked if compensation was based upon experience level, which I think is a little less tacky then "How much pay are you offering?" PS - I am sorry, obviously their recruiting leaves something to be desired. For our company, at most levels, you would be contacted by a HR recruiter, you are told who they are and they do a phone interview that lasts 30-60 minutes. In this point you are given the salary range or at least the starting salary. You are asked for the compensation history of your last few positioes (based on longevity) and responsibilities. Then you are told what the whole process is, when we hope to have the search wrapped up, and when you should hear back. If you move forward you are in communication with the recruiter up till and including the verbal offer that is made to you. But in the face to face interview, compensation is brought up again by the hiring manager and asked if HR went over it with you. I am sorry they weren't more structured and clear in their communications. What I will do is start asking my questions to see about culture, structure, etc. I will say, that I am currently looking for x and does this seem like a fit?
PhillyDude Posted March 15, 2013 Posted March 15, 2013 I find it funny that you said many things contrary to these statements when you were unemployed.... Remember that you didn't accept a job because it paid too little even though you were unemployed? What happened to that? I actually took a pay cut when I started working in December which is why I could not sign a new lease because I can't afford to live here anymore
Author pink_sugar Posted March 15, 2013 Author Posted March 15, 2013 I actually took a pay cut when I started working in December which is why I could not sign a new lease because I can't afford to live here anymore Yeah, I think I'd rather be underemployed than unemployed any day. I probably would accept the job immediately if it was a full time opportunity. But the part time hours were less than my current hours...so it probably wouldn't be a good move. I could work two jobs, but the jobs hours conflict with my current job hours too much.
PhillyDude Posted March 15, 2013 Posted March 15, 2013 Yeah, I think I'd rather be underemployed than unemployed any day. I probably would accept the job immediately if it was a full time opportunity. But the part time hours were less than my current hours...so it probably wouldn't be a good move. I could work two jobs, but the jobs hours conflict with my current job hours too much. It wasn't a huge cut it's a slight cut so I'm not underemployed. I get about a $100 less after taxes from what I made at my last job. The job is still a full-time government job with benefits which one of them I just found out about this week If you work for the city you get a 16% discount off your T-Mobile so for now on my cell phone bill will be $10 less every month,
CarrieT Posted March 15, 2013 Posted March 15, 2013 I actually took a pay cut when I started working in December which is why I could not sign a new lease because I can't afford to live here anymore But you had been unemployed for how long? And were worried about surviving past February, if my memory serves... Seriously, the entire economy has shifted and the last two jobs I had paid significantly less than what I was making five years ago. With unemployment the way it is, it is an employer's market and we are all scrambling to try and make a little more.
PhillyDude Posted March 15, 2013 Posted March 15, 2013 But you had been unemployed for how long? And were worried about surviving past February, if my memory serves... Seriously, the entire economy has shifted and the last two jobs I had paid significantly less than what I was making five years ago. With unemployment the way it is, it is an employer's market and we are all scrambling to try and make a little more. I was unemployed for a year which is why I took it and have not regretted it so far as I just completed my 90th day on the job. The only thing I don't like is that I am the only coworker under 50 and 40 and the only male. So all my coworkers are woman over 50 years old which gives me no opportunity to talk about sports 1
FitChick Posted March 16, 2013 Posted March 16, 2013 Better to start higher than you will settle for than to go lower because you can't negotiate more money later. 2
Author pink_sugar Posted March 18, 2013 Author Posted March 18, 2013 So I had a second interview for a job similar to my last second job...working for a business owner doing marketing from home. He had an odd personality though...he acted as if you weren't sure about something, he assumed you didn't know right away and acted as if you were stupid. For example, when he asked my GPA and I said 3.0 he assumed I "did not try very hard". Wtf? We spent over an hour chatting about what he was looking for and he kept asking things like "Are you smart?" etc. He also didn't even know how my pay would work. He talked about sending this timesheet, but he said something about having to figure out a bonus. So basically I got the impression that this would only be results based compensation job. So in other words, no hourly pay, but just bonuses if what I do helps the company. I sent him an email later asking for clarification and he still said he wasn't sure how to do the bonus thing. Moving on... 2
liquid_amber Posted March 18, 2013 Posted March 18, 2013 I was unemployed for a year which is why I took it and have not regretted it so far as I just completed my 90th day on the job. The only thing I don't like is that I am the only coworker under 50 and 40 and the only male. So all my coworkers are woman over 50 years old which gives me no opportunity to talk about sports um, plenty of people over 50 are into sports.
Author pink_sugar Posted March 18, 2013 Author Posted March 18, 2013 I was unemployed for a year which is why I took it and have not regretted it so far as I just completed my 90th day on the job. The only thing I don't like is that I am the only coworker under 50 and 40 and the only male. So all my coworkers are woman over 50 years old which gives me no opportunity to talk about sports um, plenty of people over 50 are into sports. Agreed. And what is the big deal? You're supposed to be working, not talking about sports. I am 23 and everyone else at my office is over 40. So?
Author pink_sugar Posted March 19, 2013 Author Posted March 19, 2013 People talk about sports at work when they first get in the office. I;m not talking about all day Are you talking about your office or in general? If in general, not everyone talks about sports. 1
Fugu Posted March 19, 2013 Posted March 19, 2013 How do you guys feel about asking for the compensation of a job? I definitely need to know before I agree to work. I like what I'm doing now, but the primary purpose I am looking for another job is that I need more hours and a higher pay...if the company doesn't offer that, then there isn't a point to me quitting the current job. My brother also moved out of state to a job he later found out was minimum wage. I never ask for compensation until after the first interview. If they're really interested and if you're interested and if you make the cut, then you can talk shop about money later. Too soon, though, and it may look like you're only there for a paycheck. Obviously, pay is part of the equation - they know that. But the first interview's about finding out whether you two see yourselves as being in a position to help the other.
liquid_amber Posted March 19, 2013 Posted March 19, 2013 I work with all WOMEN well, a lot of women are into sports too.
CarrieT Posted March 19, 2013 Posted March 19, 2013 I work with all WOMEN And here is your chance to find a date instead of the OLD thing... These WOMEN will have daughters, sisters, nieces, and friends. You need to become their best friend; show them you are dependable, interested in diverse topics (besides sports), and single. There is a golden opportunity right under your nose!
Author pink_sugar Posted March 27, 2013 Author Posted March 27, 2013 So I had a second interview for a job similar to my last second job...working for a business owner doing marketing from home. He had an odd personality though...he acted as if you weren't sure about something, he assumed you didn't know right away and acted as if you were stupid. For example, when he asked my GPA and I said 3.0 he assumed I "did not try very hard". Wtf? We spent over an hour chatting about what he was looking for and he kept asking things like "Are you smart?" etc. He also didn't even know how my pay would work. He talked about sending this timesheet, but he said something about having to figure out a bonus. So basically I got the impression that this would only be results based compensation job. So in other words, no hourly pay, but just bonuses if what I do helps the company. I sent him an email later asking for clarification and he still said he wasn't sure how to do the bonus thing. Moving on... I hadn't gotten back to this guy, but he emailed me today and asked if I was interested in doing the facebook and twitter marketing. I hadn't gotten back to him initially because he had no idea how the compensation would work. I told him yes, I was still interested, but I need to know how the compensation will work. May sound tacky, but if you're going to hire someone, you should have an idea how you will pay them. And this only sounds incentive based and if I am going to spend my time, I need hourly or some sort of set salary.
MsSmurf Posted March 27, 2013 Posted March 27, 2013 I hadn't gotten back to this guy, but he emailed me today and asked if I was interested in doing the facebook and twitter marketing. I hadn't gotten back to him initially because he had no idea how the compensation would work. I told him yes, I was still interested, but I need to know how the compensation will work. May sound tacky, but if you're going to hire someone, you should have an idea how you will pay them. And this only sounds incentive based and if I am going to spend my time, I need hourly or some sort of set salary. I don't think it was tacky at all since you've already met with this guy. He wanted to know if you're still interested and you want to know how you'll be paid. Now everyone knows what everyone needs. If he doesn't know how to answer that question chances are the pay isn't going to be worth your while. 1
OpenBook Posted March 27, 2013 Posted March 27, 2013 If I end up at the interview for a job that pays less or the same, same or less hours, then everyone's time is wasted IMO. If I am told up front, I can politely decline and move on to the next, and they can move on to the next applicant. You are absolutely correct about this. Ball-park salary range should be briefly discussed as part of the effort to determine a candidate-to-job match during the first phone screening. Rule of thumb is to keep the salary discussion verbal rather than asking them to write anything down during that initial contact. When they decide to make you an offer (after one or more face-to-face interviews) is when you nail-down exact compensation with them. A lot of employers have told me up front over the phone about the hours and compensation package. The best companies always do! 2
Author pink_sugar Posted March 27, 2013 Author Posted March 27, 2013 Yeah, he expected me to be all excited when he said I was hired before we even discussed how the salary would work. He just said "Oh I still have to figure that out" well, then I'm not agreeing to work for you until you do! I cannot believe this guy owns a bowling alley, used car lot and is a Realtor.
Krytie TV Posted March 27, 2013 Posted March 27, 2013 People sometimes confuse the fact that employers have a lot of power in this market with the idea that prospective employees must be their "bitch". Even those desperately needing work should be allowed a basic set of standards, and wanting an idea of compensation so as to not waste time is not an inappropriate one.
Author pink_sugar Posted March 27, 2013 Author Posted March 27, 2013 People sometimes confuse the fact that employers have a lot of power in this market with the idea that prospective employees must be their "bitch". Even those desperately needing work should be allowed a basic set of standards, and wanting an idea of compensation so as to not waste time is not an inappropriate one. Exactly and to say I'm hired at the first interview and spend an hour of my time explaining what you want me to do only to say you're not sure how you're going to pay me? No thanks. I sent him a follow up email saying I was interested in the position, but I am not clear on how the bonuses would work. I told him for a similar position I did for another business owner, I was paid a set amount bi-weekly or hourly...wasn't a whole lot, but I knew how much I was getting paid. Hell, even if it's only $50 a week, that's better than this "bonus incentive" based pay he was thinking of. I came out and said I am interested in hourly or a flat pay rate for projects completed and to let me know whether or not that works for him, that way neither of our time is wasted further.
Author pink_sugar Posted March 27, 2013 Author Posted March 27, 2013 Okay, so he sent me another email wanting to meet with me again to discuss this compensation. He said "I am interested in working on a compensation package beyond hourly payment. Let's meet at my office to discuss a bonus structure." :confused: Last time, I spent an hour of my time for him to say it would be bonus and he wasn't sure how to structure it. Now apparently he has it figured out and wants me to come in again. Should I bother?
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