Why do employers waste both the applicant's time and their own time by doing these things?

Question

1) Placing an ad for an opening within their company, and saying the applicant must specify a desired salary. Then, when the applicant does, calling the applicant in for an interview even though they are not willing to pay anywhere near what the applicant stated.
2) Placing an ad for employment and saying the company is in one city. Arranging for the applicant to come for an interview in the city specified in the ad. Then telling the applicant the position is actually in an office over an hour away from where originally stated, or even in another state.

Answer 1

Some companies have rules that prohibit them from discussing salary until an actual offer is being prepared. So even if they know you want more, they will interview you without discussing the fact that they are not willing to pay what you are asking for. They are also banking on the fact that you may take less than you want (i.e., when you see the company and benefits you will be so impressed that you will not mind taking a lower salary - keep in mind this is the same as a potential employee knowing his or her market value, seeing the range of salary offered, and applying and interviewing anyways since they assume the employer will be so impressed with their qualifications).

Also, some employers have a minimum requirement of applicants they need to bring in for an interview. So even if they already found an applicant whom they like and who is willing to take a lower salary, they may interview you anyways just because they want to interview so many people.

Answer 2

1. That is a company that I would be very suspicious of working for. If you specify your desired salary and they are willing to pay maybe $1,000 or so in that range I could understand, but if it's very different then I agree with you, what a waste of time.

2. Again, it sounds pretty fishy to me. I would tread very lightly with them.