The Job Interview

The Salary Question

At the end of a job interview, the Human Resources person asked a young MIT engineer, “What starting salary are you looking for?”

The Engineer’s Response

The engineer replied, “Around $225,000 a year, depending on the benefits package.”

The Interviewer’s Offer

The interviewer responded, “How about 5 weeks of vacation, 14 paid holidays, full medical and dental coverage, a company matching retirement fund up to 50% of your salary, and a company car leased every two years—let’s say, a red Corvette?”

The Engineer’s Reaction

The engineer sat up straight and exclaimed, “Wow! Are you kidding?”

The Interviewer’s Punchline

The interviewer replied, “Yes, but you started it.”