Asking pay rate before being offered the job...

[2BSure]

I don't care if a candidate asks me what the pay range/rate is for a position, do you? I don't understand why, as professionals, talking money is seemingly out of bounds.

I am interested to know your reasoning either way....

[Keepstanding, ASN, RN]

i agree. seems like that's what people what to know first thing, yet it is hardly ever discussed. you leave the interview in the dark ! ugh

praiser :heartbeat

[2BSure]

Also, it would be just awful to go through a bunch of interviews with someplace only to find out they paid badly. Historically I have always asked when I was the interviewee and it never impacted me getting a second interview or a job.

All of that being said I guess I couldn't recommend that someone else do this because I really don't understand why it is taboo.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I try to ask about the pay range before showing up to the interview, since I don't want to waste my time. I expect to be paid competitively for the services that I render, so I will not bother to interview for a facility that does not pay competitively and/or offer decent benefits.

[2BSure]

I try to ask about the pay range before showing up to the interview, since I don't want to waste my time. I expect to be paid competitively for the services that I render, so I will not bother to interview for a facility that does not pay competitively and/or offer decent benefits.

Exactly!

[LydiaNN]

I didn't even realize it was taboo. If they're allowed to ask me my qualifications as a candidate, I don't see why I shouldn't be able to ask them their qualifications as a potential employer, and compensation is a huge factor for me.

[Seagate]

Who said it was taboo? I would imagine 99.9% of the people ask about the pay rate. Is there anyone on this board who doesn't ask?

[KateRN1]

Because there are often other bennies and perks that may affect how you feel about the pay rate, and you don't find out about those until the interview. I'm willing to take less per hour if the health insurance is completely employer-paid, if they offer some sort of tuition assistance or continuing education, or if they have other things going for them. I'd rather take a lower-paying job with a company that treats their nurses well than a higher-paying job that treats nurses badly. The pay rate isn't always the bottom line and is usually negotiable for all but new grads. I can cite my years of experience, additional languages spoken, my education, various other reasons why they should pay me more--but only after they've already decided that they wanted me. If they aren't interested in me, it's a moot point.

[Cherybaby]

I always ask about the rate of pay when I am offered an interview. I agree about wasting time. I have to divulge all sorts of information about myself so why not ask about pay rate beforehand?

It shouldn't be taboo...you have the right to know! I don't feel that there is anything wrong with inquiring.

[2BSure]

Who said it was taboo? I would imagine 99.9% of the people ask about the pay rate. Is there anyone on this board who doesn't ask?

I just read a post by someone giving advice on interviews who said DO NOT do this. I have read that a number of times on this site and heard colleagues say similar.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

It's generally considered tacky to ask about the pay rate during an interview, as it gives the impression that "what's in it for me" is more important to the candidate than what he or she can offer the company.

Well, I don't know what planet these business types come from, but yeah, I want to know what's in it for me, because I don't work for free. However, I never ask about wages during an interview because a) I know it's tacky, and b) I've already researched that before applying for the job.

It's easier than you might think---companies that offer competitive wages and benefits ALWAYS boast about them. Many will even give this information out on their website and/or their listings. A little online research, or simply chatting with some of the prospective employer's staff, will tell you pretty much everything you need to know about not only the pay and bennies, but about what it's really like to work there. That way, you can make the decision whether or not to interview even before you apply, and that saves everyone time.

[LydiaNN]

I'm sure there are certain kinds of positions where one shouldn't ask at the first interview; for example, upper level management positions where it is safe to assume that compensation will be handsome and also that it is going to be variable and negotiable. Or, at the other hand of the spectrum, entry level positions where the pay is what it is- usually minimum wage or a bit higher- and that is pretty commonly understood.

I do agree that it isn't all bout pay. That's why I used the word "compensation" and I do believe that's the term that should be used when you ask. Also, I always wait until they ask if I have any questions before I ask. I have also heard it said that you shouldn't bring it up at the first interview, but I don't agree. I do it routinely and so far as I know, it has never kept me from getting a position (until last summer, I had been offered every position I applied for since graduation). I really think it depends on the type of job one is interviewing for and how the question is asked.