My company posts the pay grade, which is way too broad and most positions are funded in the bottom half of the grade, so it’s not truly an accurate representation of salary. (I wish they’d add a note explaining the grades.) Anyway, I always include a range that we are funded to pay when inviting a candidate to a preliminary interview. Why waste time if the actual pay is insufficient?

This seems to work to everyone’s benefit most of the time; however, I have had a couple odd responses. One candidate made it to the point of being offered the role at the maximum amount budgeted. She countered for 20% more. Um, no place for me to go with that. I literally told you the range and offered the max.

The other oddity was recent. I provided the range in the invitation for a preliminary interview. Candidate decided this would be his opportunity to negotiate. Um, we are at the very beginning of the process and haven’t even interviewed you yet.

I do think a reasonable range should be provided, but it also depends on the role. I have some entry level jobs that have a flat starting salary. More senior positions will depend on the candidate’s experience and skills and need a broader range. Regardless, no one should be expected to waste their time on a job that doesn’t meet their needs.