They asked me what I was looking for salary wise. I gave them a broad range that was in between what I made at Wells which wasn't much.
No dice. These companies are beyond cheap, but it was a smaller bank which is why I said smaller banks don't pay well.
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Sometimes people are willing to trade money for stress. About 10 years ago, a friend asked me if he should work at WF or another particular bank. He asked me because he knew that I had worked at both. I told him it would be a trade off. If he wanted to make more money, take the WF job (at the time, they paid well compared to competitors.). If he wanted less stress and a more satisfying work environment, take the other job. In the end, he found a 3rd option that had both higher pay and better employee reviews.
@cpe, That doesn't always work. Sometimes if you don't give them some type of amount, they will automatically disqualify your application.
Happens.
@1nyq, it probably depends on location and role. In my experience, smaller banks have paid peanuts and people run out because of that.
I anecdotally disagree that smaller banks pay less. I left WF this year and moved to a smaller bank. I make 30% more, negotiated PTO match (company max), and am in a much more employee-friendly culture.
Don't always assume WF knows your worth...and definitely don't allow WF to dictate it.
Glad i could help
Let me give you some great advice. Even a few, very few, trusted recruiters told me this. It works.
NEVER, EVER tell them what you need or want up front. You're not in a negotiating position until they want to make you and offer. Until they want you, you have not power or leverage. So telling them a range or amount up front usually will never work in your favor. Go too high, and they'll weed you out early. Go too low, and you've left money on the table because the know your bottom floor. Simply say "I'm not concerned about money, I know when I do a good job, you'll take care of me." Then, they will either press you or most will just state the target range to you. It has happened to me many times, they state the target and ask if that's ok.
THIS IS A GAME! Bottom line is this, if they make you a cr---y offer or one you don't want, you're in control and can negotiate or walk. Until they want you, you have no leverage to negotiate early.
So quit playing these jokers' games. Corporate America doesn't care about you one bit!
Yeah, works everytime
And they let you get away with that? I am always pressed to give them some type of figure. If it's too high for them, I don't want to waste my time.
I usually just say: money isnt what I am after so I am open to whatever market dictates.
It gets you past HR, and then once they decide youre the one, you negotiate from power not weakness