Interview process was quite long. Interviewed first with someone in HR. Then interviewed with head of Sales for the Americas. From there it was an interview with someone who was currently taking on the role with a team but would basically be my boss in this role and who I would report to. Finally, interviewed with someone in HR (in Belgium).
I connected well with everyone at the Sacramento office. I felt the interviews were extensive enough that they allowed me to get a fuller picture of the position itself. I was able to ask a ton of questions and everyone seemed more than willing to honestly answer and give me a solid picture of not only the position but the company and the work culture itself.
Quick background on the job posting/salary. Job was posted with a salary range of $70k-$80k. This is a hybrid position so no option to work remotely; you have to live in Sacramento. Sacramento COL is 17% over the national average and has had one of the fastest rising COL of any U.S. city over the last 4 years. In addition, the more I interviewed for the position the more I realized it was definitely being undervalued, especially when I heard about some of the new programs they were trying to develop for their customers and the involvement this role would have in them. I'm also bringing 11 years experience which I believe makes a difference and adds value.
The interview with the person in HR in Belgium was not good and was honestly one of the strangest interviews I've had. Up to that point I had made a good impression in my previous interviews and everyone seemed to be on board with hiring me (as told to me from my recruiter). This company is based out of Belgium so I had to speak with someone in HR over there. Interview started out predictably enough with me explaining my role in my current company, my skills and experience, etc.
Interview was drawing to a close when they asked me about salary expectations. I said I would like $100k for some of the reasons I listed above. This person proceeded to shame and lecture me on that number and said "only managers can earn over $100k". I didn't expect them to agree to $100k at all and figured they would counter with a lower number. Definitely did not expect to be lectured, especially since I gave no indication that they had to meet me at that number or I would walk.
I was a bit taken aback but mentioned that I’m more than open to negotiate on the salary or other aspects of the compensation package. This person said they offered healthcare and 401k and that’s it. We were both awkwardly staring at each other through our screens at that point so I simply restated that I truly was interested in this position and am more than open to discussing salary further. She said she would meet with the team and get back to me.
The following day or two were difficult because I really felt I made a connection with everyone in the interview process up to that point. I was hoping they would simply come back with a lower counter offer and we could go from there.
A couple days later my recruiter contacted me and told me Cinionic was no longer considering me for the position. She mentioned they specifically said they were pulling me from consideration because of the salary number I threw out. I was shocked. I asked why they didn’t just want to have a conversation about salary and how I had emphasized I was more than open to considering other numbers. She just said they didn’t want to consider me anymore because of that number.
I have never heard of anyone, especially someone in HR, who would rather completely dismiss the applicant rather than counter offer on salary. Granted, I haven’t had to do this often but everyone I’ve talked to is shocked to hear this happened. I’ve had friends who have been in multiple salary negotiations and have even asked for an amount 2x what is being offered, and the company simply says “We can’t meet you at that amount but what about $______”. Simple as that.
Overall, the interview process was great. I enjoyed meeting the people at the company and felt like I would fit in well there and do some great work for them. Unfortunately, it was all a waste of everyone’s time because an HR employee halfway around the world had her sensibilities upended by a salary amount and an invitation for a conversation.
