fuzzbucket

Being a musician, I haven't had to deal with the "real world" of job interviews (thank god), so I wonder if this is weird: I sent my resume for a music library position (like an office job, but not really). They didn't list the pay on the ad, but I figured that was ok. When I was interviewed over the phone, they told me pay would be dependent on experience, and they didn't give a figure. They said they were interested in me and wanted me to come down and visit. I said ok. The more I thought about it, the more it bothered me that they would not give a figure. So, I wrote to the person asking for a base figure or a pay range that the job falls into, and she was evasive again and asked me what I was expecting.

Is this normal behavior, or are they just playing games? I think it's the latter. Should I waste my time if they won't answer my question? This job would involve a big relocation/career switch for me, and I want to know what I'm getting into before I go down there. My theory is that if the offer were good, they wouldn't be hiding it. The pay must suck. I could go into further clues to this, but I'm rambling. Let's just say there are some red flags.

Any advice from you "normal" people? This is nothing like taking an audition. I'm not sure which is worse.

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rubyloxx

well they can't really give a figure until they see your experience... But most places give you a ballpark...like $8-$10.50 or something per hour... I don't think it's odd. It could be their 'rules'. who knows.

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fuzzbucket

Just to clarify, my resume details my experience, which is extensive. I don't think they would be intereseted in me otherwise. So why won't they tell?

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rubyloxx

Maybe they were just interested in seeing your goals and what kind of person you are. If you are a hard worker and can prove it, ofcourse they'll be willing to offer you more pay. Maybe they didn't want to scare you away either? Or just feel like they are bribing you with the amount of pay... (like if they think it's not high enough, you wont show to the interview). Every interview I've been to (in person) has told me the pay.... Never has told me the amount over the phone. Anyway, good luck!

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Madinat

i went on a couple of job interviews ranging from godiva to pfizer, and they were ALL like this. i want to know if it's just the way it is also, or if i was supposed to bring it up in the "are there any questions" phase of things. but once you've done the first few interviews, references, etc., the discussion should naturally flow in that direction, JMHO

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mrspoppers

In the real world of career-type jobs, you don't talk salary until an offer is on the table. Your job now is to sell yourself so that they will pay you anything just to get you.

If this is a new position, it's possible they just don't know how much someone good will cost. Or they are willing to pay whatever it takes. Unless you're looking at retail, or something similar where they have a fixed hourly wage, this is normal.

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fuzzbucket

I had an offer for an identical job with another orchestra back in September, and the first thing they told me was the pay. In the music biz, if they don't tell you the pay up front, it is usually bad news. Rule number one is never take a gig that won't tell you the pay scale! My dad, who's in insurance, said he's never interviewed anyone for a position without them knowing at least a range of what the job pays. I can't help feeling skeptical about this. How can I consider a position if I don't know the pay scale? Interestingly enough, the pay scale for the orchestra players is published in a Union newsletter. The library must be a top-secret position.

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