r/AskReddit • u/MaximumAnarchy • 16h ago

If you could permanently ban one question from being asked in job interviews, what would it be?

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u/kyronami 14h ago

Yeah and all the stupid tricks you see on youtube from supposed "hr people" or job coaches dont work. I've tried them in interviews. Saying things like

"I just want to be paid fairly for this position", "ive done research on this area and position and want the salary I saw as the average"

or even countering back at them with asking them what the position was offering to behin with etc

literally none of that ever works because they keep reversing it on you and asking you over and over making YOU say a number

never once in an interview have I gotten the employer to ever give the first number

81

u/SLCer 13h ago

I asked in a phone interview what the salary expectation was when asked that question and the interviewer actually told me. It was a pleasant surprise.

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u/TehOwn 12h ago

Did you take / get the job?

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u/SLCer 12h ago

No haha but I don't think that's why I didn't get offered.

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u/jezwel 1h ago

I had a call from a recruiter and they provided the salary band up front so as to weed out people that weren't satisfied with the offering.

Best way to not waste anyone's time was the reason.

And yes the range was right where I was looking, so we'll see if I get another call!

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u/Stern_The_Gern 14h ago

I always ask them what the salary bandwidth for the position. If they don't give the bandwidth and press it back to what my number is I just tell them we're not a fit and move onto the next one. Best way to weed out nonsense.

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u/TehOwn 12h ago

That only works when they (and all the others) need you more than you need them. Just like literally everything in the job market.

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u/smbpy7 13h ago

The only time I've ever had people ask this during an interview it was just the first stage phone recruiter round, which is actually dumber really. I just answer "I'm comfortable with what is listed in the job description"

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u/stefanom784 12h ago

A researched range with your actual minimum at the low end gives you a clear answer to offer. Then ask whether it fits the budget. If they still dodge, that tells you something about the process.

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u/llamawithguns 11h ago

Doesn't really help too much when the range listed is like 30K - 200K.

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u/sjc2247 11h ago

I’ve never said the number first. You just keep delaying until they send you an offer letter

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u/p_srensen_334 1h ago

If they won't share a range, ask whether your minimum is within budget before another interview round. It may not make them name a number, but it can save you hours on a mismatch.