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Post by Woobster on Apr 29, 2015 21:59:52 GMT
... You made too much money at your current job?
I applied and interviewed for a job in January. The interviews went really well, but a woman with much more experience than me was hired. The hiring manager had some great things to say about me and urged me to keep an eye out for future positions. Bummer... But I came away from it feeling really good.
Fast forward three months, and the lady they hired has quit (no notice... Just quit) because she wanted more money. The hiring manager contacted me last week to let me know the position had been posted, so I applied again. Hiring manager said I would hear from HR this week about an interview. Ok... Great!
HR person calls me on Monday and says that she doesn't think the job would be a good fit because the cut in pay (about $15k) would be too big. I reassured her that the pay cut wasn't a concern for me and she said, "That's what the last person told us too, and she already quit!" I reiterated that I was fine with the pay and tried to again express how excited I was about the opportunity. She ended the call by saying she would discuss with the hiring manager, but that she was very hesitant.
What do I do?? I really don't have any expectations here... I fully realize that there may be someone better for the job than me. But to be passed over because I make too much money at my current job? I feel like I am being unfairly judged because of what the last lady pulled.
Im trying to stay positive and be patient, but the more I think about it.... Ugh.
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Post by mikewozowski on Apr 29, 2015 22:02:38 GMT
i am sure that happens all the time. it is not the norm for people to want to quit their current job to make less at the new place.
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Post by mom on Apr 29, 2015 22:03:42 GMT
ohhh...that sucks. I have not had this experience, but you did say the Hiring Manager like you so that is in your favor. Personally I wouldnt throw in the towel just yet. Keep positive thoughts! Update when you hear something!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 3, 2024 8:37:20 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2015 22:08:17 GMT
I have been that hiring manager before. I am sure it sucks on the applicant's end, but it's rarely a situation that's going to work out. I wouldn't hire someone that was taking that big of a pay cut because it suggests to me that they are desperate to get out of where they are and will take anything. And then, once they are at my company, they'll realize that's a significant income loss - even if they have plenty of other income - and they will start looking for something else that will get them back to where they were before.
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garcia5050
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Posts: 2,728 
Location: So. Calif.
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Post by garcia5050 on Apr 29, 2015 22:08:46 GMT
This happened to me once. I had been laid off for 3 months, and was desperate for any job. I had a long interview with someone who I got along with really well (at least during the interview). The job description was vague, so I couldn't really tell exactly what the job was. In the first 10 minutes of the interview, the guy explained the job exactly, looked at my resume, and told me I was overqualified, and could not hire me, because within a year, I'd be gone, and he'd have to do this all over again. I tried to convince him of otherwise, but nope, he wasn't interested. I did end up finding a better-suited job within another month.
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Post by mom on Apr 29, 2015 22:09:25 GMT
I have been that hiring manager before. I am sure it sucks on the applicant's end, but it's rarely a situation that's going to work out. I wouldn't hire someone that was taking that big of a pay cut because it suggests to me that they are desperate to get out of where they are and will take anything. And then, once they are at my company, they'll realize that's a significant income loss - even if they have plenty of other income - and they will start looking for something else that will get them back to where they were before. Thats a good point. I bet that happens a ton when going to a lower paying job. |
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GiantsFan
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Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Apr 29, 2015 22:09:32 GMT
That sucks. I've been there done that. It's very frustrating. You just want to say Thanks for thinking of my finances but I think I know them better than you.
ETA At my last job i demoted and took a 33% cut in pay. We were acquired and I didn't like the new CFO ot the new accounting policies. They were a little too gray for me. I was happier than I had been in a long time.
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paget
Drama Llama
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Jun 25, 2014 21:16:39 GMT
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Post by paget on Apr 29, 2015 22:14:04 GMT
I've been going through lots of resumes/applications with my boss and it's a big sticking point for her. She won't even interview people who are currently making more than we are offering.
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Post by not2peased on Apr 29, 2015 22:14:18 GMT
It's very common-my s/o was unemployed for a little while and had a very hard time finding anything at all because even fast food and retail people wouldnt hire him because they figured he would leave as soon as he found something better
I am curious though-how do they know what you make? IME, the only folks that ask what you made prior (and make you prove it) are fairly high level sales positions
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Post by Woobster on Apr 29, 2015 22:17:32 GMT
I have been that hiring manager before. I am sure it sucks on the applicant's end, but it's rarely a situation that's going to work out. I wouldn't hire someone that was taking that big of a pay cut because it suggests to me that they are desperate to get out of where they are and will take anything. And then, once they are at my company, they'll realize that's a significant income loss - even if they have plenty of other income - and they will start looking for something else that will get them back to where they were before. I totally understand this... And I do think it's exactly what happened with the last lady. In my situation, which the hiring manager is well aware of, this organization (a nonprofit) is truly where I want to be. I have volunteered for this place for almost 8 years, and went back to school to finish my degree so that I could switch gears and move into the nonprofit world. I know most people don't go looking for jobs that will cut their pay, but you also don't go looking for a nonprofit job expecting to make a lot of money. I truly did anticipate a significant cut, and I think the hiring manager is fine with it. However the HR person (who is not employed by the nonprofit) seems hung up on it. |
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Post by Woobster on Apr 29, 2015 22:19:52 GMT
It's very common-my s/o was unemployed for a little while and had a very hard time finding anything at all because even fast food and retail people wouldnt hire him because they figured he would leave as soon as he found something better I am curious though-how do they know what you make? IME, the only folks that ask what you made prior (and make you prove it) are fairly high level sales positions They asked current salary on the application, and the HR lady asked me again when she called me. |
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ginacivey
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refupea #2 in southeast missouri
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Post by ginacivey on Apr 29, 2015 22:28:32 GMT
um...no
hahaha!
i can see where it might be frustrating
but i've never had it happen
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Post by freecharlie on Apr 29, 2015 22:53:09 GMT
I have been that hiring manager before. I am sure it sucks on the applicant's end, but it's rarely a situation that's going to work out. I wouldn't hire someone that was taking that big of a pay cut because it suggests to me that they are desperate to get out of where they are and will take anything. And then, once they are at my company, they'll realize that's a significant income loss - even if they have plenty of other income - and they will start looking for something else that will get them back to where they were before. I totally understand this... And I do think it's exactly what happened with the last lady. In my situation, which the hiring manager is well aware of, this organization (a nonprofit) is truly where I want to be. I have volunteered for this place for almost 8 years, and went back to school to finish my degree so that I could switch gears and move into the nonprofit world. I know most people don't go looking for jobs that will cut their pay, but you also don't go looking for a nonprofit job expecting to make a lot of money. I truly did anticipate a significant cut, and I think the hiring manager is fine with it. However the HR person (who is not employed by the nonprofit) seems hung up on it. cam you get in touch with the hiring manager and tell her/him what you just told us? Send a cover letter type thing through email or what not |
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Post by eebud on Apr 29, 2015 22:53:46 GMT
I think I had it happen once but since the company never called me back, I don't know for sure. I wanted a job closer to home. I was sick of spending 2 hours on the road every day getting back and forth to work in bumper to bumper traffic. I didn't care if I had a cut in pay. It would have been worth it. I went for a 1st interview at a company that was very close to home. I was called back for a 2nd interview. The guy who was interviewing me greeted me with "I am surprised you showed up for the 2nd interview". Uh OK. Not sure why he said that. I interviewed with him. I met others in the work group, I was introduced to a VP who was in his office and available.....all seemed to be going well. Then nothing. No phone call, no form letter, nothing. About 2 weeks later, I was at a head hunter company to talk about helping find another job. He was wanting me to drive about 10 miles further than I was already driving and going to where I would have to pay to park. HELL NO! I was leaving my current job in huge part because of the commute. He asked if I was willing to contract and I told him yes. He named the same company I had the 2 interviews with. I told the head hunter that I didn't know if they would bring me on as a contractor and I told him the story. He said "I know exactly why they didn't call you. You make quite a bit more than I have ever seen them offer. You also have more technical experience than most of the people they hire.". This was in the days when I had the technical experience that was hot. The head hunter said that they assumed I would get bored and quit.
What was really funny.............I ultimately find another job on my own. Shortly after I started, I ended up with a new manager. The manager was in town having one-on-one meetings with each of us. He came by my desk to tell me he was running late and was I ok meeting with him about 30 minutes later because he had someone from out of town that he was having his one-on-one with and he needed to catch a plane. I told him that was fine. When I went in his office, he said that the guy he was just talking to prior to me knows me. I asked him his name. The name sounded familiar but I couldn't place it. It turns out he was the guy who said "I can't believe you showed up" when I went for my 2nd interview. He had quit and had come to work for the same company I was working for. It had been about 4-5 months at this point since my interview at that company.
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Deleted
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May 3, 2024 8:37:20 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2015 23:08:21 GMT
My husband actually laughed when a company told him what his starting salary would be and then said no thank you. This company wanted us to live just outside Paris on $35,000 with no benefits. And no expenses covered.
It would have been a great experience if we didn't have kids.
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Post by Woobster on Apr 29, 2015 23:10:04 GMT
Freecharlie, I did send an email to the hiring manager just to let her know that HR seems concerned about the pay cut, but that it truly isn't a concern for me. The hiring manager has been my volunteer director for the past three years and knows me pretty well, so I felt comfortable letting her know.
I haven't heard anything from either of them since Monday, so I think that's why I'm getting a little antsy.
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QueenoftheSloths
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Post by QueenoftheSloths on Apr 29, 2015 23:12:14 GMT
I quit a job to take a job with an almost 50% pay cut. The money was not the most important thing, it was the schedule. I have been at the new job for over 11 years now, and am still not making what I was at the old job, but anything I want to do with my schedule happens, so it was a good trade off.
But yes, it came up in several interviews for several jobs, including the one I am now at, that people don't generally want to take a big pay cut, and probably cost me several opportunities.
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AllieC
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,057
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Post by AllieC on Apr 30, 2015 0:21:08 GMT
Wow I can't believe they can ask you what your current salary is on the application! I have never seen this before and have never been asked in an interview. They may ask in a round about way for a current range but never has it been asked as a preliminary question.
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Post by gonewalkabout on Apr 30, 2015 0:37:38 GMT
I would email the hiring manager and hr to thank them for the opportunity and for taking time to speak with you. In it tell them why the cut is not a big deal, why you're excited ... Probably add that while the money might be huge for some, sometimes the job, the experience of working with such a great company is more important for you
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Post by utmr on Apr 30, 2015 0:41:08 GMT
My experience has been that they always ask about salary but seldom ask for proof. Next time just find out what the range is for the position and tell them a number around the midpoint.
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Deleted
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May 3, 2024 8:37:20 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Apr 30, 2015 0:43:27 GMT
It happens frequently. The code phrase is "overqualified."
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johnnysmom
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Jun 25, 2014 21:16:33 GMT
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Post by johnnysmom on Apr 30, 2015 0:49:42 GMT
I have been that hiring manager before. I am sure it sucks on the applicant's end, but it's rarely a situation that's going to work out. I wouldn't hire someone that was taking that big of a pay cut because it suggests to me that they are desperate to get out of where they are and will take anything. And then, once they are at my company, they'll realize that's a significant income loss - even if they have plenty of other income - and they will start looking for something else that will get them back to where they were before. Ditto! And I'd be leery of anyone who said they were fine with a large pay cut because often people will say anything to get a job but before long they'll be looking again (or they'll never stop looking in the first place). It sucks but I've seen it happen more than once  |
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styxgirl
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Jun 27, 2014 4:51:44 GMT
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Post by styxgirl on Apr 30, 2015 0:54:15 GMT
The best you can do is reassure them that it isn't a concern for you.
I was laid of from my previous job as a manager. At my current non-management job, ONE of the three people I interviewed with was insecure and didn't want to hire me because they thought I was going to swoop in an try to steal his job. He actually TOLD me in the interview that he wasn't going anywhere so if I was looking for a manager job I shouldn't take this one.  DUH, I KNOW what position I'm interviewing for.
Thank goodness he wasn't going to me MY manager. LOL Thankfully, they had restructured the department in between my three interviews and he was moved to a different area. Each person I interviewed with asked me if that was going to be OK that this job wasn't in management. I reassured them yes, it was OK. I had been out of work for 8 months and this job was in my field at a great company!
It's kinda the same where they assume since you're in management, you'll always want to be. Not necessarily! I'm still there 5 years later and not a manager and VERY happy!
If you have some pros from this job that would prove why the pay cut would be best for you then say so in your interview (shorter commute, less overtime, better benefits, etc ...)
Best wishes to you! |
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Post by kristi on Apr 30, 2015 1:01:32 GMT
Yes and I am not sure why they bothered to interview me since they were aware of my salary from my application. I currently telecommute & this position also said telecommuting. Come to find out they meant work from home 1-2 days per week.
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Post by Woobster on Apr 30, 2015 1:30:01 GMT
I think the hardest part for me to understand is that the pay cut was never mentioned when I interviewed in January, and I ended up being one of the final candidates. I dealt with the same HR lady, and pay was never even brought up, much less made a concern. I understand that they have since been burned by someone who just needed a paycheck, but I don't feel like I should have to pay the price for that.
I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for another interview. I'm clinging to the "no news is good news" theory here.
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mallie
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Post by mallie on Apr 30, 2015 1:36:32 GMT
Wow I can't believe they can ask you what your current salary is on the application! I have never seen this before and have never been asked in an interview. They may ask in a round about way for a current range but never has it been asked as a preliminary question. Totally not our experience. My dh and I are applying for jobs right now, across the country, private and public sector and EVERY single job has REQUIRED that we provide current salary information in order to be considered at all.
Good luck getting that information. They almost always refuse to give it at private institutions.
My dh interviewed for a job and it was very frustrating because while they required he give his salary, they refused to tell him what the salary range was for the job he was interviewing for. When they called him back for a second interview, they still refused. When they called to ask for his references, they still refused. If they don't give him the info at the next contact, he's telling them to forget it.
Sooooo much fun looking for jobs these days. |
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tincin
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Jul 25, 2014 4:55:32 GMT
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Post by tincin on Apr 30, 2015 2:08:31 GMT
Is there a reason you are willing to work for less? Is it closer to home? More convenient hours? If so, put it out there for them.
Yes, I have been refused jobs while laid off because they knew when I was recalled, I would return to my prior job making a lot more money. I can't say I blame them, training costs money but as the person who was jobless, it sucked.
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AllieC
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,057
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Post by AllieC on Apr 30, 2015 5:14:32 GMT
Wow I can't believe they can ask you what your current salary is on the application! I have never seen this before and have never been asked in an interview. They may ask in a round about way for a current range but never has it been asked as a preliminary question. Totally not our experience. My dh and I are applying for jobs right now, across the country, private and public sector and EVERY single job has REQUIRED that we provide current salary information in order to be considered at all.
Good luck getting that information. They almost always refuse to give it at private institutions.
My dh interviewed for a job and it was very frustrating because while they required he give his salary, they refused to tell him what the salary range was for the job he was interviewing for. When they called him back for a second interview, they still refused. When they called to ask for his references, they still refused. If they don't give him the info at the next contact, he's telling them to forget it.
Sooooo much fun looking for jobs these days. I'm in Australia so it seems like this is something that is very different to here. I am not sure if it is even legal here to ask that question as a preliminary. How frustrating for your husband. It is ridiculous that they won't even give him a ballpark figure or salary range. |
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mallie
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Post by mallie on Apr 30, 2015 13:09:30 GMT
Totally not our experience. My dh and I are applying for jobs right now, across the country, private and public sector and EVERY single job has REQUIRED that we provide current salary information in order to be considered at all.
Good luck getting that information. They almost always refuse to give it at private institutions.
My dh interviewed for a job and it was very frustrating because while they required he give his salary, they refused to tell him what the salary range was for the job he was interviewing for. When they called him back for a second interview, they still refused. When they called to ask for his references, they still refused. If they don't give him the info at the next contact, he's telling them to forget it.
Sooooo much fun looking for jobs these days. I'm in Australia so it seems like this is something that is very different to here. I am not sure if it is even legal here to ask that question as a preliminary. How frustrating for your husband. It is ridiculous that they won't even give him a ballpark figure or salary range. What's really stupid is that they could potentially be wasting THEIR OWN time. He's willing to take a lower figure because the cost of living is lower in that area (and we really want to live there so there are huge pull factors). But if it's substantially lower, then he's not willing. So they are using their time and energy interviewing him and it could all be for nothing because he might turn it down based solely on the compensation -- something that could have been ascertained many hours ago by just giving him a freaking salary range. |
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keithurbanlovinpea
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Flowing with the go...
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Post by keithurbanlovinpea on Apr 30, 2015 14:04:17 GMT
My sister taught me long ago, never reveal your current salary during interviews/application process. It is irrelevant to the hiring process. If you are interested in the job, have the qualifications and can agree on a salary, what does your current salary matter? This works the other way too. Say you make $50k but the job pays $75k. But the hiring manager knows your current salary and so tries to hire you in lower than the range (say $62k). That's wrong... the job pays what the job pays.
I can give you some strategy/talking points for answering when the current salary question arises.
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DUH, I KNOW what position I'm interviewing for.
