What to do if there is no Salary Range on a Job Description

THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE SOLELY THOSE OF THE AUTHOR.

Next week, I’ll discuss how to answer the “What salary are you looking for?” question. But for now, the issue is what to do when no salary range is included in the job description.

A number of jurisdictions require that the salary range appear in the job description. So does common sense. If I may be permitted to exaggerate, why would a company want to interview a candidate who is earning $150,000 when they have only budgeted $50,000 for the position? On the other hand, why would someone want to apply for a job that pays a third of what they are currently earning? It’s illogical, wastes everyone’s time, and reflects poorly on the employer.

Many have written on LinkedIn that they have been rejected for a position because they dared to raise the issue of salary. Instead of asking about salary, I would advise candidates to ask, “Why is there no salary range (and benefits?) listed in the job description?” The answer may provide insights into the company’s decision making.

When there is no mention of salary range (“competitive salary”) is meaningless, it may be an indication that the job is not “real,” by which I mean the company is on a fishing expedition to see if they want to actually hire someone. Of course, the justification may be that the company does not want employees to know what their peers are earning. How credible that is, I leave to the reader to decide.

In any event, it is a very VERY red flag and should be treated as such. Yes, you are desperate for a job, but you don’t want to exchange one set of problems for a new set of problems. In other words, be careful!

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What to do if there is no Salary Range on a Job Description | Employment Edification