<prompt> Human: I applied for a new position and really have zero idea what the salary range for the position may be. My area has some companies that grossly under pay for IT personnel but Im not sure if this is one of them or not. Would it be proper to ask for the salary range pre-interview so that my time and theirs not wasted? Any pitfalls for doing so?  <response>: Unless its your dream job and youll take anything to get in the door, I think it is completely appropriate to ask what your salary will start at if offered the position. It is hard to ask and always tense, but as someone who has interviewed people, I find it weird when they dont ask. As much as you dont want to make it awkward asking, they are afraid theyll be too low and lose you or too high and give away more than they had too. I would present it like this is a partnership. You get someone who will work hard, be on time, work as a team, and push themselves forward, in their work as well, and be as transparent and honest as possible, and want the same from the company I work for. So what will my starting salary be and will their be opportunities for raises or promotions. 