Today I had an interview for a job I am 100% unqualified to do. Originally a recruiter reached out to me regarding a role that matches my experience level. I send my info and have a good phone conversation. I hear back a couple days later that they are looking to hire for a marketing manager with significantly more experience than I have. I thank the recruiter for their time and move on.

I get a call from the recruiter a week later telling me they have great news. The original company wants to interview me for the manager role. I am confused but accept because it’s a phone call and I have nothing to lose.

The phone call with the company’s hr rep doesn’t go bad but gets funny near the end when compensation comes up. The recruiter asks my range. I say my target is $60k a year. She is quiet for a second and says “This is a manager position, you can have a higher target.”

I think for a moment and say “I would target the mid 60s range then.” Since I am not a manager and I am really not sure how much to ask for.

She is quiet for a moment and just says “I’ll just put $75k as your minimum.”

I had to try not to laugh. All of that for a role I know I’m not going to get due to experience.