- 2024
- Sep
- 28
Salary is confidential? Your response should be thanks, but no thanks!
Some years ago, I was contacted by a company that manufactured building products, as well as electrical devices to handle said building products. This was in regards to a technician position - more of an engineering tech - at the company’s headquarters. They’re just a shade under 2 hours from me, travelling on some country roads - there’s no way I could live here and drive there.
This was kind of an odd process, we had a phone screen and an on-site interview first, and a couple weeks later they asked me to fill out some online paperwork - applications and some assessment thing. During this time period, I had been unable to find out any information about the pay rates for the position. When we got to the hot and heavy part, I asked.
You can see the recruiter’s response and our email chain in the image.
I was told the salary range was confidential, but the recruiter could advise me based on my current salary if we should continue. I provided said information.
The eagle-eyed among you will notice the recruiter never really affirmed that it would be worthwhile to continue. Just that they had reviewed it. I didn’t notice that at the time. You’ll also notice I made the mistake of not saying what it was I wanted.
Did I get offered the job? Yes. Was it worth the time? It was a little more base, but was a net loss when I factored in medical and other items that my current employer gave employees at the time. I had to turn it down.
The recruiter and interview team called me. They wanted to know what they needed to do to get me in the door. I said “it’s the money.” It’s just not worth the few cents more you offered. You know where I live, you know what I make, you know I’d be leaving everything behind and essentially starting over with a higher-skill job. Make me a real offer.
Well, that went nowhere, and that’s the last I heard from the company.
Now? If I couldn’t get an answer up front about that salary range, I’d simply thank you for your time. It’s confidential? No, it’s not, and I’m going to be running away from your company.
It taught me to get all the information up front. If someone tries to play games and hide that info? Turn around and leave. That’s all.