I frequently get recruiters soliciting me about positions via LinkedIn messages. They usually talk a lot about the type of work, size of the company, how great colleagues are etc but oftentimes don't mention anything about TC besides the vague "great benefits and competitive compensation". There are many things that matter more than TC in a job, but I know I'm not the only one that views TC as an important factor when deciding whether or not to pursue an opportunity. Is it considered bad form to respond to such messages asking for an estimated range? Yes, I could just take the phone call, but then I'd have to schedule the time, and then potentially waste the time of both parties if the TC expectations are not in line with my requirements or if they simply won't share.
It's a negotiation, so what if you haven't done interviews yet. Nobody is going to cut you for negotiating for yourself
Why would you ever interview without knowing at least the salary range?
I don't even mean knowing the TC to interview, but just knowing it before continuing the conversation further.
I asked the TC question over email before first meeting. Never got a response. Asked it during first call got a response 50% of the time.. the other 50% are like “we don’t discuss TC before interviews”. So, they probably think it’s rude, but I think it’ll save everyone a lot of time.
In CA and I believe NY now, they are legally required to tell you the salary range if you ask.
I tread a bit more lightly if I’m the one applying, but if someone cold calls me for a position, I feel I have every right to know before spending more time discussing it with them.
You think we only say "TC or GTFO" to Blind users?
What is TC?
It’s a double edged sword. You can also lose an opportunity before the conversation begins as you haven’t shown and demonstrated your value. Best method is to crush it in an interview where you make a strong impression on the hiring manager and engineers. Then show them the offers you ‘are’ getting. Provided you’ve done your due diligence and you’ve shown them how great you are, you’re a commodity they do not want to lose. If you must mention compensation, don’t do it like this. “I’m looking for something that makes xxxx.” Don’t do this. Even if you ask for a range, it will be skewed. Instead ask them what level they are considering you for. Then talk to other colleagues on what that level translates to and if it’s justified. Watch or read any tips on negotiating salary and the commonality is that you first demonstrate your worth in the interview. You don’t talk pricing on a car in the first minute. Let them sit inside, hold the steering wheel and let them drive.
This is a great response. I am usually the one who declines discussing compensation until I've crushed the interview (and have competing offers). It's the only way to maximize TC and not shoot yourself in the foot early.
Well the benefits don't pay your rent or food so...
It’s better to hold off on talking comp until you get an offer so you will have more negotiation power. Once they want you, they will do all they can to close you.
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Worried that our top performer is an attrition risk. How do managers handle this?
The recruiters most likely don’t feel rude when “they” start the TC question and pressure to lowball you