can I ask about the salary before a job interview?

A reader writes:

I’m curious to hear your thoughts on how to ask for a salary range prior to an interview. I applied for a job that seems like a great fit based on the job description. However, the job description doesn’t list a salary range, nor did they ask for my salary requirements on the application. I know for a fact that I’m currently at the upper salary range for this type of job, and I have no interest in taking a step backwards.

I got an email asking to set up a one-hour interview on Zoom, which I was willing to do before having any salary info. Today, I got another email asking if I’m willing to do an in-person interview instead. That will require taking a day off work, and who the heck does in-person interviews in the first round anymore? But regardless, I would be willing to do it if we’re in the same ballpark on salary. Otherwise, it doesn’t make sense to waste either of our time.

I’ve been in this position before, and when I pressed for a salary range prior to the interview it seemed to change the tone of the conversation out of the gate. One time, the company stopped responding even though they had asked me to set up an interview.

Is there any way to ask for salary info prior to an interview without making it weird?

You can read my answer to this letter at New York Magazine today. Head over there to read it.

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