This week I went into an interview for a position transitioning me from working in healthcare to an office position within the same company.
I researched what the range of pay would be for the position in my area. They posted a range of $15-18/hour. The actual range for that office position is $26-32/hr. I went into the interview with that in mind and listened to the interviewer tell me the other benefits of the position: company car when traveling outside of a 50 mile radius to visit other locations and a hotel if the drive to a location is over 4 hours.
I'm thinking, “That's nice but I'm already being paid the same wage range right now.. Yes I want an office position, but not unless I can get close the bottom of the pay bracket.”
They've seen what I can do with paperwork. I made all of the files for this little branch of the company look perfect for the audit we had a month ago. They know I can make things better for the larger company and wanted to give me the chance to get the position by interviewing for it.
When I told the guy interviewing me the pay range for the position in our local area, his jaw almost literally dropped. He was speechless for about a minute. Afterwards we went on how the behavior professionals with Bachelors and Masters.
I have been screwed over before by not standing my ground when it comes to pay, this time I'm standing my ground. It may cost me a nicer office job, but I want at least 24-26 to start.