I submitted an application via Craigslist in July of 2015. I was surprised and delighted at the fast callback from a very kind hiring manager who had been with the company for a long time. We set up a time for interview. The job itself was a very technical and specific production position which involved filming and editing. I had detailed experience which met all qualifications even right down to the camera they were using at the time. The process involved myself, the HR person, and a supposed supervisor discussing my work history, familiarity with the NLE they were using at the time which was Final Cut Pro 7, and camera specifics. We discussed my ability to help them transition over to a more current editing platform as well which they seemed very interested in doing. I also showed that I could read music and my first instructional book was Alfred's Drum Method. I did get a sense that I was a very strong candidate at this point. The people were very kind and the interview went well until the discussion of compensation came up. I did inquire as to the entry level pay (above minimum wage) for a job that was so heavily dependent on experience in a profession that is not learned in-house. The response I received from the HR person in exact words were, "Look, I get this all the time..." and then proceeded to tell me about how they felt it was a fair rate for the position which was full time with benefits. I understand that they probably had a strict budget to adhere to and this was in line with most of the research I had done prior to my interview. I then asked if they were potentially interested in hiring me as a 1099 contractor avoiding the benefits. This would have ultimately saved them money and would have allowed me to keep my other clients. They had no interest in doing that and I do not fault them for it. Truthfully, I got the sense that they wanted a lot and were not willing to pay for what it was worth but did not know how to do it outside of hiring someone. If they truly were used to receiving this compensation objection "a lot" as it was put to me, then it might make sense that they would reconsider the pay structure for these technical positions. Either way, I enjoyed the interview process and it was great experience for me as a professional. Certain professions such as production and post production require so much knowledge, investment, dedication, and passion. It became obvious that I would have had to sell myself short in order to work for this company. I personally have had a similar position for a similar kind of company and discovered that there was no professional satisfaction waiting. It goes without saying that I was not offered the job after the awkward response I was given to my legitimate and polite question about compensation. Looking back I realized it was a blessing because I learned that there are businesses out there who are respectful of the craft and will pay what it is worth for quality work.