I recently applied for a position at a small company and was surprised when they reached out the very next day to schedule an interview. I expected a standard HR screening call, but instead, I was set up with the director of the department, who would be my direct supervisor. The interview went really well, but I didn’t get to discuss basic HR-related questions, particularly about salary, because the director didn’t have that information and it felt out of place in our conversation. Now, I’m moving forward in the interview process with an executive, who I assume is the final decision-maker for the role. While I’m excited about this opportunity, I’ve never gone through a hiring process without an initial HR screening. I’m wondering if this is a red flag or if it’s common for smaller companies. I want to ensure that we’re aligned on salary expectations before any offers are made, but I’m hesitant to reach out to the HR person I’ve been in contact with because I don’t want to jeopardize my chances of getting the job. Has anyone else experienced a similar situation? How did it turn out for you?