DALLAS — We won't be surprised if you do a double-take after reading this: Employers want to pay you for a job interview.

It's something new from the NotchUp Web site. Here's how it works:

Enter your industry, job, pay and experience into a calculator that helps you set a rate. If a hiring company is interested in you, it deposits the money into a PayPal account after the interview.

Why are companies willing to pay? "It is because it is so competitive," said Amber Thigpen, a recruiter for The Dallas Morning News. "Also it is going to really attract that passive candidate who might not necesarily be looking for an opening — but for $500, you definitely are willing to have a conversation with me now."

NotchUp recommends charging between $200 and $500 for an interview. There is no charge to enter your information into their database. NotchUp says it will block your current employer (or any other companies you specify) from viewing your resume.

While the company promotes "NotchUpShield privacy protection" as part of its "never worry" service, its Web site currently offers little information about itself -- there is no contact phone number, no address specified (other than the company is located in "the San Francisco Bay area").

Job-seekers should be aware that they are supplying personal information, and the NotchUp Privacy Policy states: "We do not promise, and you should not expect, that your personal information or private communications, will always remain private."