[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,

Today I had a phone interview with a large Alabama firm for one of their small town offices where I live (10 people in the office). I was not expecting the HR interview because I live in a small town in south AL and it’s who you know that usually gets you the direct office interview. To begin with, I sent my resume to my father in law who sent it to the partner at this office. I didn’t even know they were hiring but thought why not. So the HR guy from Birmingham called me today to explain their firm and what they expect, etc. The phone interview went well. I’ve got 2 questions –

First, do I send him a thank you email? The recruiter said he would get back to me this afternoon about setting up a lunch date with the local office/partner and a senior.

Second, he mentioned they start at $45,000 but I know for a fact they pay interns $24 an hour which is $49,920. I didn’t ask if that was negotiable and wish I had. There is no bonus the first 2-3 years, no OT, and no comp time for busy season. You are expected to bill 1800 hours the first year. If I am interested in this job, do I just negotiate with the local partner or ask in an email back to HR about the salary?

I’ve also talked with the firm I interned with this spring who paid me $21 an hour last year for my internship. I’ve learned that firms will come up if asked. When I was offered the internship, they said it pays $15 an hour and I told them no I needed more. As a woman, we often get paid less because we are afraid to ask for it.

I think I will like my old firm better than this large work-horse firm and money is not the issue for me BUT I want to earn what I’m worth. I’m 40 so liking what I do and who I work for is most important.

[jlough]

1) I would send a thank you note– it can be short and sweet- “it was a pleasure speaking with you. thank you for the information” type thing. People always appreciate that type of thing and you never know how much sway that person has in the decision.

2) I would wait to talk salary numbers until they give you an offer. It may be off-putting to them if you bring it up beforehand.

F- 7/13- 84
R- 10/13- 79
A- 11/13- 99
B- 1/14- 86

Licensed in PA- 3/20/2014

This exam ALMOST defeated me back in 2006-2008, but I came back and WON!

[jlough]

1) I would send a thank you note– it can be short and sweet- “it was a pleasure speaking with you. thank you for the information” type thing. People always appreciate that type of thing and you never know how much sway that person has in the decision.

2) I would wait to talk salary numbers until they give you an offer. It may be off-putting to them if you bring it up beforehand.

F- 7/13- 84
R- 10/13- 79
A- 11/13- 99
B- 1/14- 86

Licensed in PA- 3/20/2014

This exam ALMOST defeated me back in 2006-2008, but I came back and WON!

[LSNYC]

Also keep in mind that interns get paid by the hours however, they don't get paid time off (usually) no benefits, ect so to them they are lower cost employees since they don't need to pick up some of the other expenses that come with a full time position.

I also agree with the posted above, send a thank you note, unless the recruiter told you not to, and wait to talk numbers, its to early to try to negotiate.

A - 61, 91!!
B - 78!
F - 76!!!
R - 71, 73, 74, 69, 77!!!!

Finally done!

This is my 2nd attempt at the exam, I had two parts passed (failed many) and I stupidly quit, big mistake. Now I'm back and with a vengeance!

[LSNYC]

Also keep in mind that interns get paid by the hours however, they don't get paid time off (usually) no benefits, ect so to them they are lower cost employees since they don't need to pick up some of the other expenses that come with a full time position.

I also agree with the posted above, send a thank you note, unless the recruiter told you not to, and wait to talk numbers, its to early to try to negotiate.

A - 61, 91!!
B - 78!
F - 76!!!
R - 71, 73, 74, 69, 77!!!!

Finally done!

This is my 2nd attempt at the exam, I had two parts passed (failed many) and I stupidly quit, big mistake. Now I'm back and with a vengeance!

[Anonymous]

Thanks. I sent The HR a thank you email. Should I do a hand written or typed as well? He just got back to me about a lunch meeting next week on the1 day said I was not available so I'll change that dr appt.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. I sent The HR a thank you email. Should I do a hand written or typed as well? He just got back to me about a lunch meeting next week on the1 day said I was not available so I'll change that dr appt.

[Author]

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