I've been interviewing a bit with companies based in California and have been really happy with their adherence to the new law that requires they not ask for your current salary, and they tell you what the pay scale for the position is. But I spoke to one company yesterday who refused to tell me the pay scale, claiming they "really don't know what they can offer me until after the interview process". I pressed on this a bit, the recruiter gave me a BS range that they said they were "making up". They said "we can't give you anything for accurate until you interview with us". I let this go at the time but am now thinking that this is probably illegal. I wasn't asking what they would pay me, but what the scale is for the role they are hiring for. Thoughts? This is a big (500+) series c company. Ideas on how to escalate and not seem like a "difficult candidate"? Thanks!
This is sort of true, there is a pay scale for the various levels for a single role at most companies. Until you’ve interviewed they can’t know the level to get the band.
I think sometimes it might be genuine- as in you might qualify for 2 different levels, and they want to evaluate that. Also salary bands are flexible and can be bent.
Welcome to the gray area
Thanks for the comments. This is interesting in that the other 4 companies I've spoken with (ranging from b to c) were all happy to give this information up front.
Under new law in CA they are obligated to give u range, when asked. Range can be ftom level 1 - level 7, & they way determine range u fit in after interview. Dont think theres a way to press wo pissing them off. If u want to file a complaint, look up edd or dol & ask them what u can do
Have most of you been able to get the pay scale/range for the roles you interview during the process? I have changed jobs many times in he Bay area , except when it’s an external recruiter, I don’t think I ever got the pay range. But I haven’t pressed for it either. Now that the company recruiters ( 3rd party recruiters still asks, and make sense), can’t ask candidates, I suppose we have more reasons to know the range before both parties spend further time.
Pay range expectations should be done before the onsite interview, so they aren’t wasting your time, or the interviewers time. If they aren’t giving the range, it’s a red flag
Does this law apply in New York?
Don’t think it’s illegal. if they make an offer they will give you all comp info