Today I got a call back from an application I posted to a potential employer nearly 8 months ago. I applied for an entry level position at this company when moving to a new city just to try and get my resume viewed.
After all this time, they decided to call and offer me a interview. In the time between the application and now I’ve got a pretty cushy job at a startup in my related field.
The HR rep opened and was super bubbly, “Hey, I came across your resume and would love to have you come in and interview.”
I asked what role this was for, and she explained it was entry level while looking at my resume. Given my resume is what would be considered top management in this field. I could just sense the glee that they were going to get someone super qualified for an entry level position.
I didn’t pull any punches and immediately opened with I’m not interested in that, but I wanted my resume on file in case there were any higher level roles in the future. She seemed pretty open, although there weren’t any roles available at this time, and they typically don’t hire management from outside, but rather promote from within.
I was cordial and understanding and as the conversation moved along I mentioned several roles I could also fill in the company. Her mood was beginning to sour.
As it was winding down she asked what sort of compensation I would like if I were to be called in if a role as such were to become available.
I literally stated industry standard. Between 60-75k annually with bonuses.
Record scratch, you could literally hear a pin drop on the other side of the line. With gritted teeth she explained that no one within the company was making that sort of salary.
It’s small wins like this that change company hiring policy and expectations, just be upfront and give it to them straight. At a certain point with enough volume they’ll have to relent or lose their place as a business as no one will work there if they can’t offer competitive wages.