I don't understand these Human Resources games...

[GoCubsGo]

I have been avoiding applying to consulting firms, but since the state and federal governments are not doing much hiring in my field, I'm not being left with much of a choice. And, I'm DESPERATE for a job. I'm used to seeing the pay ranges put up front. Yet, these corporate types want YOU to list your expected salary. I'm told it's to "weed out" the ones who want more than they're willing to pay. Wouldn't it make their jobs easier to just tell how much they're willing to pay out front, so that those who are not willing to make that salary don't bother applying? It would make their jobs so much easier to not have to sit there and weed out these "expensive" applicants. I really don't understand this bullshit. Can someone enlighten me as to why they pull this shit? Is it to "make work" for their HR staff? Sadism? What?

[HopeHoops]

1. Because if their "approved" range is $50-$60K and you say you expect $40 - they win.

They're not exactly going to say, "Oh, that's less than we want to pay you - here's $10K more."

[Chan790]

2. Bingo.

It's why I always say that I'm looking for $40k minimum but not more than 4% below the next lowest paid person. (This achieves two ends, it eliminates their ability to lowball and it necessitates revealing the general pay landscape of the department to you.)

[Richardo]

4. That's a great approach.

:thumbsup:

I'll remember that if I'm ever in the interview market again.

[GoCubsGo]

7. That only works if...

...the online application provides enough space for it. I have just been putting down a broad range, when possible. If I can get away with it, I put "Negotiable, based on benefits."

I didn't think of the low-balling aspect of this. I guess that's why I didn't go into the business-oriented fields. I don't have the assholier tendencies to make it there.

[rbnyc]

3. You always want the other person to bid first.

It's worth it to a company to have to sift through the applicants that are above their budget in order to find qualified applicants who undershoot. Why say you're willing to pay $80K when a qualified applicant may offer to work for $60K?

One thing I love about the not-for-profit fiend is that 501c3s have to file 990s where they are required to list salaries above $50K. If I am applying for a position, I can see what the last person in that position earned, what the Executive Director earns, etc. That way I'm not shooting in the dark.

[Chan790]

5. Where do you find these 990s?

I'm trying to leave my current field (retail banking) for a position in development or communications in the NPO sector. It might be useful info to have.

Actually that's all I've ever wanted to do but I've never gotten past the second interview for a position and get waylaid into other careers...so I've taken every training I could find from grantwriting to social-media to "relationship fundraising" to PR to event planning to AFP's First Course in Fundraising along the way to boost my resume. Now I find myself being told I'm too overqualified for any entry-level position (they assume rightly that I'll jump in 1-2 years to a position that utilizes my knowledge and skills at 3x the pay.) and ineligible for higher openings because I have zero experience. (I can't volunteer for experience either, my current job does not allow me enough free time. I work 65/week)

[rbnyc]

6. There are always jobs for development and communications...

...professionals in not-for-profits. You can find 990s at guidestar: http://www2.guidestar.org/

idealist.org is best job listings site.

Good luck. It's hard to break in, but once you're in, it's a good career.

[Skittles]

8. employers / corporations have all the cards now, GCG

WE THE PEOPLE have little power