UPDATE in original post..salary range prior to interview?

I have an interview scheduled in a couple of weeks. It is the same title/position as I am in now but for a smaller company. I work on queens/Nassau border 10 min from home. this job is in white plains so will add to my commute time as well as gas/toll expense.

I am 100% qualified for the position it is exactly what I have been doing for 3 years. Can I be transparent with the recruiter and ask what the salary range is? I don't want to waste anyone's time, including mine to go out of my way for the interview and take time off if they don't give me at least 12-15% more than I earn now.

If it's okay to ask how do I word it? In email or call recruiter?

UPDATE:

The HR recruiter emailed me back with a range: the top is my bottom! But I guess it was worth it and I will continue with the interview!

Message edited 12/19/2013 2:17:55 PM.

Asking salary range prior to interview?

I was always told not to ask salary until a job offer has been made.

I would go on interview. If they are interested, salary will come up. When I was asked what I'm looking for, I'd say "my current salary is $xx. While a bump would obviously be nice, I'm really looking for the experience at this point." You can be more straightforward at that point in regards to what you are looking for.

Re: Asking salary range prior to interview?

I know what you mean. I did this once applying for a position I was more than qualified for. I wanted to ask ahead of time about salary, but didn't only to find out at interview the position was 15k less than I was currently making; would require 9-6 & year round instead of my school hours.

It was out of the way & a total waste of time.

Re: Asking salary range prior to interview?

I would definitely ask. You can phrase it like, "I am earning above $45K,(or whatever it is you make) just so we are on the same page, does this position pay at least that or more?"

Asking salary range prior to interview?

Talking salary before you are offered a position is usually frowned upon.

Re: Asking salary range prior to interview?

I know you didn't ask this, but that is not a fun commute. Whether by car OR public transportation. I used to have to do that from Long Beach a couple days a week and honestly, even a tad bit more in salary would not make it worth it IMHO. I also worked in downtown WP and there was never parking so I had to garage my car after sitting in traffic for centuries. Back then I was compensated for my mileage and parking but still. It was rough. Even taking the LIRR and then the subway to Metro North was still a 2.5-3+ hour ordeal most days. Forget when one or more of them went out......

Especially having to do the commute now with kids which I think you do.

I didn't back then and there's no way I would put myself through that now having my son.

So I guess this is my long-winded way of saying yes, absolutely ask.

I like the suggestion of the person who said present with them the range you are making now and seeing if it matches up.

Since it's a recruiter, I think it's more okay to ask.

Message edited 12/19/2013 5:23:18 AM.

Re: Asking salary range prior to interview?

I've asked many many times. I felt the same way you did, I didn't want to waste their time or mine! I wouldn't put it in writing. I would do it over the phone.

I would say it that way...very interested in the position, don't want to waste anyone's time, etc. I think it should be easier because it's the recruiter.

You will be so upset if you go on the interview, like the place and find out the pay is much less than you want. You really have nothing to lose, if you say it appropriately.

Re: Asking salary range prior to interview?

Re: Asking salary range prior to interview?

Thanks all. I am going to ask the HR recruiter. As someone mentioned I have nothing to lose. I have a job I am ok with salary/benefits/commute-wise. Just no growth. I am single mom and it works for me and my kids. If I was at a different point in my life I would go ahead and go through the interview without knowing range.

I applied for a job once where they asked for salary in the cover letter. I got a phone interview spent 30 min with hiring manager and at the end she tells me they can't even come close to my salary that I was above the high end. I was so annoyed why did she waste her own time?

Asking salary range prior to interview?

You mentioned a recruiter: is it an inhouse recruiter or a headhunter?

Re: Asking salary range prior to interview?

Asking salary range prior to interview?

They say not to ask but if you really want to I would try to phrase it as can u tell me the "salary range" then it doesnt sound so bad, imo! LOLOL

Re: Asking salary range prior to interview?

I would ask the recruiter what the salary is for sure.. I just wouldn't ask the person interviewing you during an interview.

ETA: I just started a new job 6 months ago. I asked the HR person right from the start what the salary was so I didnt waste anyone's time - I told her a range I was looking for and she said that they were paying within that range. I never asked the manager I met with.

Message edited 12/19/2013 9:36:13 AM.

Re: Asking salary range prior to interview?

If its a third party recuriter, I would definetly ask. And if it is a company's HR person, then I would ask for the range and phrase it like, I appreciate the interest but for the interest of time and effort can you please share the range blah blah blah...

Asking salary range prior to interview?

As someone who does interviews ocassionally, I bring up salary during our first phone conversation. I know what the position pays and I don't want to waste their time or mine. So bringing it up during the initial contact, if someone does not want to work for our salary range, I have filtered it out right at the first contact.

Asking salary range prior to interview?

I've done this ONLY when someone I've already interviewed with comes back to me with another position available. For example, I did not get offered a position with this one company after multiple interviews (it was between me and another person) but I was contacted a few months later (may have even been a year), and I had recently started a new job. Based on the job title I wasn't sure what the salary range was and wanted to inquire before taking time off to re-interview (it was for almost HALF of what I'm making). It worked out well for me, I kept it very professional and I am still in contact with the company as other positions become available.

Re: Asking salary range prior to interview?

Re: Asking salary range prior to interview?

I believe you need to know the salary range going into the interview so not to waste anyone's time. Recruiters have always asked my current salary and my expectations. Recruiters have a responsibility to be honest with you and they certainly don't want to send you to an interview if you are going to turn it down after the offer because the pay is too low. I say you absolutely need to express your salary concerns BEFORE the interview.

Re: Asking salary range prior to interview?

Message edited 12/19/2013 10:51:37 AM.

Asking salary range prior to interview?

As a recruiter I perfer to get salary out of the way so I am not put off if an applicant asks salary. Just ask what the salary range is after asking other questions about the position. If the salary is the prime focus thats when I become concerned.
ETA: Since you seem to have a number in your head I would just be upfront about your salary requirements. If its over that hopefully will prompt the recruiter to either say yes you are in range or not. Every recruiter has their own style.

Message edited 12/19/2013 12:00:20 PM.

Re: Asking salary range prior to interview?

I'm not at all offended if someone asks me that prior to interviewing.

But I won't tell them the salary range. I'd rather they tell me what they're looking for & I will tell them that they are within the salary range.

Some of our positions are set salaries. Others are ranges. If I give out the range, it always causes problems because immediately everyone thinks they'd fall at the top of the range even though that's reserved for more experience.

Re: UPDATE in original post..salary range prior to interview?

Update in original post.