Would you apply for this job?

[lolalolalola]

I’m not unhappy in my job but kind of bored and looking for a new challenge. DH and I work for the same industry, which is experiencing some external challenges right now.

I saw a job posting at a company that has awesome employee reviews and is known to be a great place to work. The job title is above my current title (Sr. Advisor vs Sr. Manager) and is very similar other than has direct reports and is in a different industry.

I checked with someone who works there because the salary range isn’t public. The upper band is 15% less than I make now and the median is 30% less.

Would you apply? I won’t go for less than I make now since I like my job. I suppose there’s always a chance that they may up the salary if they like me enough?

Wwyd?

[Leeham Rimes]

What do you have to lose by applying? You can always decline if the salary range isn't where you need it to be. Unless you'd be somehow burning a bridge by applying for a job (which I can't fathom unless you'd never take the job regardless of what they offered, then maybe?), I'd always err on the side of apply and see what happens.

[pandora89]

I would apply since they didn’t post a salary range and during the initial phone interview/screen I would mention that the minimum salary you are looking for is x.

[formerlyak]

If it sounds interesting, I'd go for it. The worst that happens is they can't meet your salary expectation and you move on. But you never look back and think "what if they could have met my salary expectation"?

My current job was budgeted to pay, at most, $15K less than I was making when I applied. I told them I wasn't able to take any more than a $10K cut. They made it happen, and I took the job and it's honestly one the best jobs I have ever had. And, others on my team were given "evening out" raises last year to bring them closer to my salary, so my negotiating was a win for everyone.

[turnipthebeet]

I would probably apply, if for no other reason than applying and interviewing can be good exercise. I can’t imagine I’d take a job for less pay in your situation, but I’d probably feel it out.

[kath16]

my advice is almost always the same

it will not hurt to apply. expected salary range should be discussed in the first conversation to ensure you and the company are on the same page. if there is a decent recruiter on the phone, he/she will also ask you why you are interested and whether you are actively or passively looking for new opportunities

[wildrice]

It doesn't hurt, but if there is no chance you'd accept the salary I would try to make that clear early on so you don't waste too much time (and theirs). I guess it depends on the employer and industry, but coming up that far in salary seems unlikely IMO.

[lolalolalola]

Thanks all. I asked my company contact's opinion and she said they would never go above the band, likely would go to a little below the max so there's still room for annual increases. DH is pushing me to apply, but he would be happy for me to take the $30K + salary decrease for a more flexible job (this company is know for its ultra-flexible work from home program). But that's because it benefits him, not me. I do not want to discount myself, especially as a woman and at this point in my career.

I really dread the whole interview process which is probably also why I am dragging my heals! Uncomfortable situation, and all of that.... I have only had a handful of interviews in the 22 years since I graduated college.

[followyourarrow]

Based on your update I wouldn't apply. It would be a waste of their time and yours. I'd also hate for it to harm your company contact if they were willing to help you.

[Tacocat]

With the additional information, I probably wouldn’t apply. If you know you would never accept that salary range to me it seems like a waste of everyone’s time to go thru the process. Unless working from home is worth that much of a pay cut to you?

I’d keep looking to see if there’s anything else out there that might be a better fit.

[kath16]

how "in the know" is your contact at the company? like, is an upper level manager in the business unit you'd be applying to? or a recruiter?

i really still don't think it'd be a waste of time, personally, to have a single conversation with someone.

[lolalolalola]

Aug 23, 2019 14:06:06 GMT -5 kath16 said:

how "in the know" is your contact at the company? like, is an upper level manager in the business unit you'd be applying to? or a recruiter?

i really still don't think it'd be a waste of time, personally, to have a single conversation with someone.

She is senior management but in an unrelated department. She doesn’t deal with this particular department or know the leaders personally. She does have a large team, and would definitely know company norms. She loves working there and would not leave for more $$. She took a pay cut as well but was unemployed at the time.


Thank you - I know part of it is my fear showing .

[madringal]

My two cents: I wouldn’t take on direct reports without a significant pay increase. Being a manager is hard and requires a lot of attention. You deserve to be paid (and paid well) for the additional responsibilities and stress it brings.

[gault]

Always apply for something. Your question should be "do i accept the offer" when the time comes. You have literally nothing to lose by applying and interviewing.

[notsopicky]

I don't think it's fear to not want to take a pay cut. $30K is A LOT of money.

[formerlyak]

Yeah $30K is a lot unless there is some other amazing benefit. In my case, taking the paycut meant:

1. Getting more credits into a pension system where I was only a year short of vesting (I have since vested). This was a HUGE benefit that alone would have been worth the paycut.
2. Getting more vacation time. Not a ton, but we are actually encouraged to use it.
3. Getting a better benefits package.
4. Most importantly, working from home. With the two hours a day I gained back, I take a morning walk on the beach or go to pilates; I make myself a good lunch (taking lunch wasn't the norm at my previous employer); I get dinner on the table for my family by 6:00. I am also home when my middle schooler gets home from school, and while he is self-sufficient, it is nice to be around in the event that he has homework questions. Last year, for example, he had a terrible math teacher. Half the class got tutors because they fell behind. We didn't have that issue, because if DS got to something he didn't understand, he'd ask while doing his homework and we'd tackle it then.

[lolalolalola]

Hands down, the biggest benefit to me would be working from home. I have a 40 minute each way commute daily, and spend $2500/year commuting so there’s that too... plus the whole industry diversification with DH.

I have pretty great benefits - 8% pension, 5% employee savings plan, 100% donation matching, earned day off program, 4 weeks vacation + option to purchase 2 more, $1000 volunteer grant every year to causes I care about.

Also, I currently work PT but plan to go back to FT in January. So, when I compare salaries it’s based on my future FT salary. The difference between the new job and my current reduced salary is much lower.

[goldengirlz]

On the question of “what do you have to lose by applying,” I think it’s this:

If your industry is indeed going through challenges and there’s a fear that you may one day may need to call in a favor from your friend, then you should hold that card until you need it. Usually I’m team “always apply” but if you go down this road with them, your first shot will be your best one.

So that’s one factor I’d weigh in all of this. If you’re indeed serious NOW, that’s a different story ... if you could imagine a world where you accept less money for better benefits. But I’d be a bit hesitant to window shop.