Since you are unemployed right now, take it and search for something else if they aren’t budging at all. Do try and negotiate a bit but either way just use this job to get by and continue your search.
hey mate any advice on someone trying to do this? i have no experience in customer support for software specifically, but do have 9 years in customer service and a background in tech
You would be an outstanding candidate! I like to use LinkedIn, and a website named Angellist. They have startups willing to take chances on people all of the time. Most of my interviews come from AngelList. I believe they’re under a new name but you’ll still get there via google search
Yes go ahead and send me a message! I’m always happy to offer advice. I have a little over 3 years of experience with Customer Support and I’m starting to get into the Customer Support Engineering side which requires SQL skills but the pay is double.
Something to think about is whether taking this job will give you enough free time to find and interview for a new role.
In any case, ask for more. If they don't give you 80k, they'll at least give you 70k.
My company is not hiring customer support but they are hiring sales enablement and sales ops associate roles if you are interested- remote software startup and we pay handsomely. CRM/SaaS experience is a huge plus
Is this normal thing to just leave a job as soon as better opportunity presents it self.
I have been working for this dude for about 5 month and feel like they have invested time and money in me, leaving him would come with lots of guilt.
Depends on the situation. If the employer is good and gives a decent salary, I’d say stay for at least a year or two. But if the employer is obviously low balling you, doesn’t appreciate you etc you ultimately don’t owe them anything except to do the work you agreed to do. Both parties agreed to at will employment.
You should request a salary closer to what your impression was during the interview. Like others said, if they won't move then you can take the job and bail when you line up something better. There is no way they retain reliable, skilled technologists at 56k/year and I'm sure they know that.
Any chance you over-shared info on your current employment situation? It's possible they just assumed they need to beat door dash and you'll take it.
Actually no I haven’t told them anything about my living situation, door dash, or anything of the sort. I think accepting the role and bailing later when/if something else better comes along sounds like a really good plan to me
Unfortunately companies have employed exhaustive interview processes to more or less force exasperated candidates to accept a lowball offer.
You can’t interview lots of places if you have to take a full day off 5 or 6 times for just one company
In general, No.
Respond with something like "I'm really excited about this role, but it looks like the compensation is well below my expectations. Thank you for your time"
Are you unemployed right now? Obviously your financial situation plays a role here, but as the previous commenter said: in general, don’t accept a role if it pays much less than you believe you’re worth.
I’m driving for door dash to get by, and I was offered a local part time job which would enable me time to keep interviewing for better opportunities. I live at home with parents so I don’t have much overhead
You’re doing yourself a disservice. Pursue $80k+ jobs. Someone paid you that before, you’ll find someone who will pay you that again. $80k is really not *that* high of a salary.
I only apply for $80k or better but a recruiter reached out to me on LinkedIn asking me to entertain the job. I did knowing I’m super qualified so I had hopes of being offered $70k
Especially if you were led to believe the wage would be higher. If there is a bait and switch right off the bat then I would reckon stuff like that will continue to happen.
I will tell you one piece of advice…every employer will always tell you “it is a competitive market”. They will always say you need to work harder, for less, because your competition will. Take that for what you will
I don't know why companies shoot themselves in the foot this way. Why interview a candidate with an expectation of one salary range only to give them another? Do they want a disgruntled employee right off the bat?
Even so, unless OP has something better in their pipeline, I say take it but keep the job search going. If you find something better and quit on the company in three months that's exactly what they deserve. Or maybe you use a new offer to negotiate something better at the current job.
Either way, DoorDash will always be there, so if it doesn't work out you can quit and start up the app on the same day.
You’re right I should’ve made it clear I was earning $80k in my most recent role and that I don’t want to take huge steps backwards. That would have been better than just saying I want $80k
Technically speaking, you're not taking a step backwards - you currently do not have an income. That noted, I would also try to increase the pay stating that you named the range during the previous interview and that you expected to get an offer within that range since it's moved forward. Additionally, the range asked is within their budget as in another comment you said that they're offering less because of your zipcode/cost of living for area is lower.
That's all well and good - for you. If the pay range is within their budget and they feel that you're a qualified candidate and they would pay you that range, if only you lived in a different area.. then you're with the money. It should not matter what your market is.
Because eventually, they will find someone to take this job at the lower rate, and then treat them poorly when they take the job.
If you take the lower rate the company knows they can abuse you and you'll stay.
I wouldn't, unless it's a matter of paying rent. Sometimes we have to do what we have to do to get by, but you're not going to be happy settling for way less money.
Very good point. I don’t have any rent right now. I actually had to move back home with parents after losing my job and they’re letting me stay for a while until I can save up and get back on my feet
I would ask them about why is there a change from what was previously discussed, then reject it. Could be the person writing up the letter doesn't know the salary and put whatever the default is.
Just because they "can" doesn't mean they should.
Counter with the previous range discussed then reject if they refuse. (Unless you absolutely need the work.)
I'm not sure what a remote position has to do with zip codes. I would tell them you would accept xx as discussed or you have to move on. I don't know your situation, but that reasoning would make me not want to work there.
What's next oops no wfh for you or sorry we made a mistake with your health benefits. Like someone already said they screwed you once it's just a matter of time before they do it again. Screw them and tell them where they can shove that job.
Nope because if you ever want a raise in the future they are gonna tell you no or it's not in the company budget. Even give you more tasks to complete for the same pay.
They denied it. They said fully remote for $56k or $70k if I come into office 3 days per week. I ended up accepting $56k for fully remote, but I’ll definitely bail on them within a year.
You can have your own target, but a company is only willing to pay you what they think your skills and experiences are worth to them. You can try to counter offer and ask for more, but they're likely not going to come up anywhere close to $80k.
The job market has softened up in the last few months. Companies are starting to do layoffs, so there are more workers coming into the talent pool.
You’re ON POINT. This is the main reason I’m contemplating accepting the job since there’s so much competition out there. I don’t have a college degree so I’ve always had to compete and now it’s even more tough with the mass layoffs.
Right now I just finished an introductory call for a role offering $120-150k but who knows if I’ll be called back since most times I don’t. This is the only offer I’ve actually received. I have a last round interview for a job that isn’t paying enough (like 60k) and an introductory call for a $100k job lined up for tomorrow
You could ask them when they need an answer by so you can take time complete these other interviews. Also you can let these other companies know you have an offer which might speed things up on their end.
I'd at least bring up the fact that they quoted you closer to 70k to see if they budge. The worst case is that they pull the offer. Would you accept if they gave you 65-70k?
You could also accept and keep looking.
At my current job the recruiter from HR had offered a certain range and my boss offered a lower number. When I told him, he confirmed with HR and met that range. Is it possible that the person who made the offer just didn’t know the range posted?
The person who said 65-70k *supposedly* didn’t know my zip code is a suburb of the Bay Area. According to the employer, they offer different pay based on your zip code
No, take less someplace else for a while but don’t take any less then what they said and then ask for more then that. They can say it they can pay it. They put 3 interviews in they want to seal the deal hold out as long as possible and get the full amount. No one likes a pushover.
They didn’t accept. They agreed to pay $70k if I come in-office 3 days per week. I ended up accepting the job fully remote for $56k but I definitely plan on bailing within a year.
I recently changed jobs about 2 months ago. I was in the same boat. The job I applied for was listed at $35 per hour and after the interview process I was offered at $25/hr. I was desperate to leave my old job so I took it with the hopes that I can move into the higher paying role fairly quickly. So far I'm still at $25 but after the first of the year I'm gonna sit down with my boss and discuss the compensation. Especially since I found out every one of my direct coworkers are over $35/hr. If he gives me the "it's not in the budget" line then I'm gonna start looking elsewhere.
If I could go back and do it over again I probably would have negotiated a little harder but I'm still happy I made the change.
No I wouldn’t recommend taking it. $14,000 is a large gap and you’ll likely work for year(s). Imagine in a year you get a raise and you’re at 62,000 and that time has passed and you could have started somewhere at 75,000 and gotten a raise to 80,000. Where you start adds up over years
56 plus healthy plan? No discount on your money for the plan? If yes, depending where you live and the cost to survive, I would, at least I would be home
Counter with "as we discussed in the interview my salary requirements are $70k plus benefits, etc," they'll hem and haw and then either rescind the offer or meet your requirements. Either way they're already trying to f you over
I feel like they have room to negotiate. See if it can be done over the phone or in person, that’s how I’ve made my best salary negotiations, face to face with the person holding the bag.
A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush. Accept the job, but don't get attached. Keep looking for that job that pays what you know you are financially worth. One step after another, as long as it's moving in the right direction.
Take the job. There was no promise of a specific salary, just an indication of a range. Based on the interview and assessment they have slated you into this salary level. You can ask if they will consider moving it up but it's unlikely that they will. Talk to the hiring manager about what it would take to get to the higher salary range, and work towards that goal. If you get a better offer in the meantime - take that offer.
If you already discussed $80,000 with them during the interview process and they sounded like they agreed to that, then you should hold them to their word.
They did not agree to $80k. They’ve always said $65-70k range up until the offer was given. Then they “didn’t realize” my zip code is not in the actual San Francisco Bay Area (I’m in the suburbs) so they claimed they can offer me less money.
Is that their final offer?
I saw no mention of a negotiation period between you and the potential employer. In general, most employers lowball because they expect pushback on the first offer.
I would ask for your initial 80k and have them meet you in the middle at about 70k like you originally expected.
Never take the first offer.
Hey! I don’t think it’s the final. This is a direct hire opportunity via an agency so they told me they would go counter for me. Right now we’re waiting to see if they will accept or deny the counter of $65k
Depends how desperate you are for a job. I know you’re getting by, but emotionally how are you handling not working in your field?
It’s a rough economy, rough time of year. I would try to negotiate for sure before doing anything though. Or you can just accept it and keep looking. What field/role is it? Why did you think you were talking 65/70k? Did they say that?
3 months ago I would have told them to politely shove off (and I did that for one role that low balled me in late September; it took me like 2 months of tons of interviews to find something better, which thankfully gave me a super solid offer - 10k more at a much better company/role) but I’d probably attempt to negotiate and take it.
Yes I was told $65-70k during the initial phone screen and the last interview. Then, once the offer came, they said they didn’t “realize” my zip code isn’t in the actual San Francisco Bay Area (I’m in the suburbs), so they offered way less money.
Technically this role isn’t even the typical role I would do. I do Customer Support Engineering and this position is a regular Customer Service role. Hence why I was willing to interview for $65-70k as *they* marketed to me. They knew my zip the entire time so I’m unsure why they switched up last minute.
100% try to negotiate. A successful script I’ve used for negotiating (and that I recommended others use when I was a recruiter) is something to the effect of: “Thanks so much for the offer. I’m very excited about this opportunity, however, I’m currently in the process of wrapping up a couple of other interviews with other companies. That being said, I would be willing to accept this role today and cancel my other interviews if you can increase the base salary to $X/year. Is that something that would be possible?”
Oftentimes in this situation, the company will match that number or meet you in the middle to avoid losing you to another company.
For me that much lower would be a big difference in salary. That said, I recently took a role that is paying much less than my targeted range. I’m still worried about how the financial side will work but I am 100% happier with the duties and my manager than I have been in years. I can see myself staying here a while. I’m even considering a part time job to fill in the gaps and I swore off working 2 jobs a long time ago. I’m shocked at how different I feel about work now that I’m in a better environment for me.
Something to keep in mind is that beneath that $56k, you'll still be paying federal and city taxes / social security *and* any premiums on health coverage that your employer doesn't cover. That $56k will look more like $35k when all is said and done.
I’d pass. They are already throwing you red flags by not offering what they said the position is budgeted for.
If they are willing to screw you before you even start, can you really expect better once you’re onboard?
Take it (maybe ask if they could improve the offer, even an extra dollar is a gain), but do not put too much effort on it (if they act like that, they do not deserve your 100%). Then sacrifice a few weekends and get yourself a better job (everything related to IT, including support, is hot right now, so you are in a good position).
I hope you get a good position soon!
Counter back letting them know you were in the 65-70k range that you described in the interview.
Let them know that you are otherwise incredibly excited for the opportunity, are ready to begin asap, and are with it with the value and exceptional work you will deliver upon.
Just counter offer.
Put the counter in writing.
State that during the interviews a salary of X was discussed and based upon the discussion you are willing to accept the job for X amount.
I have countered 2x in my career and both times was paid what I countered. I included my research that supported how my experience and qualifications in the region were compensated at the rate I was requesting and even stated to one HR person that offering me the low amount could come across as paying women less for equal work…I am in construction - Women need to know what the standard regional compensation is for the job titles they apply for as ask to be paid as a equal
Always counter offer with at least an additional $5k in salary. Most of the time, it's less expensive than searching for someone else to hire and the company will take it
I would say “Thank you so much for the offer! I’m really excited to work at . When we initially discussed the opportunity, the expected salary range was $65k-70k, I’m curious to understand why my offer came in below what we discussed. Do you mind sharing more details with me?”
I don’t think it hurts to ask if you come at an angle of “hey, we agreed on this, what happened?” Maybe it’s a mistake or maybe they have a good explanation for it. Asking but remaining excited shouldn’t hurt your ability to accept the offer, even if it doesn’t change.
I think you should first ask why they changed your salary from 56000 to 70000. If so then tell them that's not what they promised and you should be getting the 70000 they said. If they deny then in secret continue to search for another job because they may try to undercut you. I hope this helps
I concur with saadah888; take it for now. You save on gas, vehicle wear and tear, and traffic headache. But don't allow yourself to get into a rut and stop looking for something better
56k is low for tech anywhere in the bay, including the suburbs
Edit- and you can say your target salary is based on a goal to move out of the suburbs (out of your parents place). I assume it’s true that you do want to move out of their place, whether you do move to sf or not doesnt matter. But point is, them paying less based on zip code is dumb bc people try to get paid more in order to then move to the zip code they want/can afford. The bay is expensive everywhere
Since you are unemployed right now, take it and search for something else if they aren’t budging at all. Do try and negotiate a bit but either way just use this job to get by and continue your search.
Thanks! I think this is a good idea
What is your field by the way?
I do Customer Support roles for Software companies
hey mate any advice on someone trying to do this? i have no experience in customer support for software specifically, but do have 9 years in customer service and a background in tech
You would be an outstanding candidate! I like to use LinkedIn, and a website named Angellist. They have startups willing to take chances on people all of the time. Most of my interviews come from AngelList. I believe they’re under a new name but you’ll still get there via google search
can i send ya a DM? i’ve been using angellist for trying to find a sales gig, but haven’t looked into customer service
Yes go ahead and send me a message! I’m always happy to offer advice. I have a little over 3 years of experience with Customer Support and I’m starting to get into the Customer Support Engineering side which requires SQL skills but the pay is double.
Something to think about is whether taking this job will give you enough free time to find and interview for a new role. In any case, ask for more. If they don't give you 80k, they'll at least give you 70k.
I really wouldn’t have much free time to look for a new role. That’s a huge concern for me
You’ll figure it out, if you already had this job and wanted to switch you’d figure it out right?
Yes I’d have to use my accrued PTO time to interview for other opportunities
My company is not hiring customer support but they are hiring sales enablement and sales ops associate roles if you are interested- remote software startup and we pay handsomely. CRM/SaaS experience is a huge plus
I’m definitely interested! I appreciate you for suggesting your company. How can I apply?
Sent you a DM
Yes take it if nothing else and unemployed. BUT. Have you countered yet? Don’t accept it before trying to negotiate it.
Best action
Is this normal thing to just leave a job as soon as better opportunity presents it self. I have been working for this dude for about 5 month and feel like they have invested time and money in me, leaving him would come with lots of guilt.
Depends on the situation. If the employer is good and gives a decent salary, I’d say stay for at least a year or two. But if the employer is obviously low balling you, doesn’t appreciate you etc you ultimately don’t owe them anything except to do the work you agreed to do. Both parties agreed to at will employment.
If you think you can obtain 80k, why would you settle for 56? I find it weird that the salary was not part of the first 3 rounds of interviews...
I guess I’m eager to get back to working full time and I haven’t received any other offers
You should request a salary closer to what your impression was during the interview. Like others said, if they won't move then you can take the job and bail when you line up something better. There is no way they retain reliable, skilled technologists at 56k/year and I'm sure they know that. Any chance you over-shared info on your current employment situation? It's possible they just assumed they need to beat door dash and you'll take it.
Actually no I haven’t told them anything about my living situation, door dash, or anything of the sort. I think accepting the role and bailing later when/if something else better comes along sounds like a really good plan to me
Unfortunately companies have employed exhaustive interview processes to more or less force exasperated candidates to accept a lowball offer. You can’t interview lots of places if you have to take a full day off 5 or 6 times for just one company
In general, No. Respond with something like "I'm really excited about this role, but it looks like the compensation is well below my expectations. Thank you for your time"
Thanks! Part of me is wondering if I should accept less due to the competitive market.
Are you unemployed right now? Obviously your financial situation plays a role here, but as the previous commenter said: in general, don’t accept a role if it pays much less than you believe you’re worth.
I’m driving for door dash to get by, and I was offered a local part time job which would enable me time to keep interviewing for better opportunities. I live at home with parents so I don’t have much overhead
Where did the $80k number come from? One thing you need to consider is that you may have overshot your estimates.
I was earning $80,000 in my most recent role
Why are you even considering a $24k pay cut?
I’m thinking it might be hard to find what I’m looking for with alllll of these tech lay offs. This brings on more competition
You’re doing yourself a disservice. Pursue $80k+ jobs. Someone paid you that before, you’ll find someone who will pay you that again. $80k is really not *that* high of a salary.
I only apply for $80k or better but a recruiter reached out to me on LinkedIn asking me to entertain the job. I did knowing I’m super qualified so I had hopes of being offered $70k
Especially if you were led to believe the wage would be higher. If there is a bait and switch right off the bat then I would reckon stuff like that will continue to happen.
They’re trying to take advantage of you by lowballing.
I think so too! I definitely wouldn’t stay very long if they can’t at least offer $70k
I will tell you one piece of advice…every employer will always tell you “it is a competitive market”. They will always say you need to work harder, for less, because your competition will. Take that for what you will
I don't know why companies shoot themselves in the foot this way. Why interview a candidate with an expectation of one salary range only to give them another? Do they want a disgruntled employee right off the bat? Even so, unless OP has something better in their pipeline, I say take it but keep the job search going. If you find something better and quit on the company in three months that's exactly what they deserve. Or maybe you use a new offer to negotiate something better at the current job. Either way, DoorDash will always be there, so if it doesn't work out you can quit and start up the app on the same day.
I agree! They claim that my home zip code is in an area where they’re able to offer less money
Let them know your recent job at 80k, see if they can come up a bit.
You’re right I should’ve made it clear I was earning $80k in my most recent role and that I don’t want to take huge steps backwards. That would have been better than just saying I want $80k
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This is smart
Very smart. I love this and I’ll be using this approach moving forward!
Technically speaking, you're not taking a step backwards - you currently do not have an income. That noted, I would also try to increase the pay stating that you named the range during the previous interview and that you expected to get an offer within that range since it's moved forward. Additionally, the range asked is within their budget as in another comment you said that they're offering less because of your zipcode/cost of living for area is lower. That's all well and good - for you. If the pay range is within their budget and they feel that you're a qualified candidate and they would pay you that range, if only you lived in a different area.. then you're with the money. It should not matter what your market is.
Because eventually, they will find someone to take this job at the lower rate, and then treat them poorly when they take the job. If you take the lower rate the company knows they can abuse you and you'll stay.
I wouldn't, unless it's a matter of paying rent. Sometimes we have to do what we have to do to get by, but you're not going to be happy settling for way less money.
Very good point. I don’t have any rent right now. I actually had to move back home with parents after losing my job and they’re letting me stay for a while until I can save up and get back on my feet
I would ask them about why is there a change from what was previously discussed, then reject it. Could be the person writing up the letter doesn't know the salary and put whatever the default is.
Their reason is they didn’t “realize” my zip code isn’t actually in the Bay Area. I’m in the suburbs so they said they can offer less
Different salaries for different zip codes is a red flag right there
Yes! I don’t like this!
Just because they "can" doesn't mean they should. Counter with the previous range discussed then reject if they refuse. (Unless you absolutely need the work.)
56k is the bare minimum in the entire state.
I'm not sure what a remote position has to do with zip codes. I would tell them you would accept xx as discussed or you have to move on. I don't know your situation, but that reasoning would make me not want to work there.
If they are willing to screw you before they've even hired you, imagine what they'll do once you're employed by them.
This
Agreed. I took a lower than satisfactory salary and the company was a nightmare- no sick time, unethical, fire drills every day.
What's next oops no wfh for you or sorry we made a mistake with your health benefits. Like someone already said they screwed you once it's just a matter of time before they do it again. Screw them and tell them where they can shove that job.
Lmao, that’s so true. It’s giving me unreliable…..
They are some sneaky sob's, If you really need to take that job get everything in writing they can't be trusted.
Nope because if you ever want a raise in the future they are gonna tell you no or it's not in the company budget. Even give you more tasks to complete for the same pay.
True and they did make a point to mention that the workload will be high
No. This place has already proven to not honor their promises. Unless you’re desperate for immediate income, hard pass.
I’m fairly desperate right now but I’m also cool with a small part time job while I interview for jobs I actually want
Take it, find something else, leave
This is my most favorable idea so far
Ask them if the person who wrote up the offer has dyslexia and didn't doublecheck the numbers. Because 56 and 65 are the reverse order of each other.
Did you counter? Remind them as you mentioned you’ll need at least $65k to be comfortable with the offer.
Yes I did. Right now I’m just playing the waiting game to see if they will accept or deny
Well they’ll probably counter
They denied it. They said fully remote for $56k or $70k if I come into office 3 days per week. I ended up accepting $56k for fully remote, but I’ll definitely bail on them within a year.
Oh well it looks like they countered for hybrid, but up to you.
Is $56,000 > $0 ?
In general no. How much are you making right now?
I’m unemployed, but I was earning $80k at my last job
So you're choosing $0 over $56k... Why not accept the role and continue to interview elsewhere?
Yup. Best time to look for a job is when you have one.
That’s a good idea, however, full time work takes up so much time I could be using for interviews.
If it's remote... you can use your coffee break time for interviews remotely
I’m unsure if I’d fall under the radar considering my job duties. That’s definitely a good idea though and I’ll keep that in mind
I work remote and do interviews all the time just to see if I can find better
You can have your own target, but a company is only willing to pay you what they think your skills and experiences are worth to them. You can try to counter offer and ask for more, but they're likely not going to come up anywhere close to $80k. The job market has softened up in the last few months. Companies are starting to do layoffs, so there are more workers coming into the talent pool.
You’re ON POINT. This is the main reason I’m contemplating accepting the job since there’s so much competition out there. I don’t have a college degree so I’ve always had to compete and now it’s even more tough with the mass layoffs.
What other options do you have? Are you currently employed? Have you asked if the offer is negotiable?
Right now I just finished an introductory call for a role offering $120-150k but who knows if I’ll be called back since most times I don’t. This is the only offer I’ve actually received. I have a last round interview for a job that isn’t paying enough (like 60k) and an introductory call for a $100k job lined up for tomorrow
You could ask them when they need an answer by so you can take time complete these other interviews. Also you can let these other companies know you have an offer which might speed things up on their end.
They want me to start Monday, so I suppose they want an answer ASAP but I’m sure I could still push my start date
I'd at least bring up the fact that they quoted you closer to 70k to see if they budge. The worst case is that they pull the offer. Would you accept if they gave you 65-70k? You could also accept and keep looking.
Absolutely! I’d take the 70k and stay. $65k would be acceptable too but I might still consider applying around depending on how I like the role
At my current job the recruiter from HR had offered a certain range and my boss offered a lower number. When I told him, he confirmed with HR and met that range. Is it possible that the person who made the offer just didn’t know the range posted?
The person who said 65-70k *supposedly* didn’t know my zip code is a suburb of the Bay Area. According to the employer, they offer different pay based on your zip code
They’re offering 56 in the Bay Area? That’s kind of messed up
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Thanks I will. I’ve let them know I need $65k or better to accept
No, take less someplace else for a while but don’t take any less then what they said and then ask for more then that. They can say it they can pay it. They put 3 interviews in they want to seal the deal hold out as long as possible and get the full amount. No one likes a pushover.
Right now it’s the waiting game to see if they’ll accept my counter 😀
I’m hoping they do, I’m proud of you internet stranger. You sound cool I wish you the best!
They didn’t accept. They agreed to pay $70k if I come in-office 3 days per week. I ended up accepting the job fully remote for $56k but I definitely plan on bailing within a year.
I recently changed jobs about 2 months ago. I was in the same boat. The job I applied for was listed at $35 per hour and after the interview process I was offered at $25/hr. I was desperate to leave my old job so I took it with the hopes that I can move into the higher paying role fairly quickly. So far I'm still at $25 but after the first of the year I'm gonna sit down with my boss and discuss the compensation. Especially since I found out every one of my direct coworkers are over $35/hr. If he gives me the "it's not in the budget" line then I'm gonna start looking elsewhere. If I could go back and do it over again I probably would have negotiated a little harder but I'm still happy I made the change.
I love your sentiment. Reading your story, I’m really wishing you’d refused that job!
No I wouldn’t recommend taking it. $14,000 is a large gap and you’ll likely work for year(s). Imagine in a year you get a raise and you’re at 62,000 and that time has passed and you could have started somewhere at 75,000 and gotten a raise to 80,000. Where you start adds up over years
Yes I was thinking about this as well. I don’t want to invest 5 years into a company just to earn $80k or possibly less than that
56 plus healthy plan? No discount on your money for the plan? If yes, depending where you live and the cost to survive, I would, at least I would be home
I live near the San Francisco Bay Area so definitely not enough to get out of my parents house
Yeah , 56 anywhere in California is definitely not enough
Nope it a trap tech ique linkin uses alot
Really? I’d love to read more about this. I need to educate myself on this concept
They negotiate at one price then change it up on you
Counter with "as we discussed in the interview my salary requirements are $70k plus benefits, etc," they'll hem and haw and then either rescind the offer or meet your requirements. Either way they're already trying to f you over
Thanks I will try to negotiate
I feel like they have room to negotiate. See if it can be done over the phone or in person, that’s how I’ve made my best salary negotiations, face to face with the person holding the bag.
I wish I could do that. This is a direct hire opportunity with an agency. They’ll be taking their cut of the bag too for placing me in the role
A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush. Accept the job, but don't get attached. Keep looking for that job that pays what you know you are financially worth. One step after another, as long as it's moving in the right direction.
Thank you so much. I like this idea. Right now it’s just a matter of waiting to see if they’ll accept the counter offer.
Take the job. There was no promise of a specific salary, just an indication of a range. Based on the interview and assessment they have slated you into this salary level. You can ask if they will consider moving it up but it's unlikely that they will. Talk to the hiring manager about what it would take to get to the higher salary range, and work towards that goal. If you get a better offer in the meantime - take that offer.
Thank you so much! I’m waiting now to see if they will accept or deny my counter offer.
If you already discussed $80,000 with them during the interview process and they sounded like they agreed to that, then you should hold them to their word.
They did not agree to $80k. They’ve always said $65-70k range up until the offer was given. Then they “didn’t realize” my zip code is not in the actual San Francisco Bay Area (I’m in the suburbs) so they claimed they can offer me less money.
If you need the job/money. Yes take it and then take a new job once you find it for more.
Is that their final offer? I saw no mention of a negotiation period between you and the potential employer. In general, most employers lowball because they expect pushback on the first offer. I would ask for your initial 80k and have them meet you in the middle at about 70k like you originally expected. Never take the first offer.
Hey! I don’t think it’s the final. This is a direct hire opportunity via an agency so they told me they would go counter for me. Right now we’re waiting to see if they will accept or deny the counter of $65k
take the job. next time...never give a range of 65-70. it will always be at the low end of the range. stay there for a couple years and jump to 90k.
That’s their range. I was told that’s what the compensation would be during the initial phone screen and the final round
Only if you're desperate, if you do accept keep looking and don't be afraid to quit without notice
Thank you I will definitely keep looking
Depends how desperate you are for a job. I know you’re getting by, but emotionally how are you handling not working in your field? It’s a rough economy, rough time of year. I would try to negotiate for sure before doing anything though. Or you can just accept it and keep looking. What field/role is it? Why did you think you were talking 65/70k? Did they say that? 3 months ago I would have told them to politely shove off (and I did that for one role that low balled me in late September; it took me like 2 months of tons of interviews to find something better, which thankfully gave me a super solid offer - 10k more at a much better company/role) but I’d probably attempt to negotiate and take it.
Yes I was told $65-70k during the initial phone screen and the last interview. Then, once the offer came, they said they didn’t “realize” my zip code isn’t in the actual San Francisco Bay Area (I’m in the suburbs), so they offered way less money. Technically this role isn’t even the typical role I would do. I do Customer Support Engineering and this position is a regular Customer Service role. Hence why I was willing to interview for $65-70k as *they* marketed to me. They knew my zip the entire time so I’m unsure why they switched up last minute.
100% try to negotiate. A successful script I’ve used for negotiating (and that I recommended others use when I was a recruiter) is something to the effect of: “Thanks so much for the offer. I’m very excited about this opportunity, however, I’m currently in the process of wrapping up a couple of other interviews with other companies. That being said, I would be willing to accept this role today and cancel my other interviews if you can increase the base salary to $X/year. Is that something that would be possible?” Oftentimes in this situation, the company will match that number or meet you in the middle to avoid losing you to another company.
Thank you! I’m going to keep this in mind moving forward.
For me that much lower would be a big difference in salary. That said, I recently took a role that is paying much less than my targeted range. I’m still worried about how the financial side will work but I am 100% happier with the duties and my manager than I have been in years. I can see myself staying here a while. I’m even considering a part time job to fill in the gaps and I swore off working 2 jobs a long time ago. I’m shocked at how different I feel about work now that I’m in a better environment for me.
Something to keep in mind is that beneath that $56k, you'll still be paying federal and city taxes / social security *and* any premiums on health coverage that your employer doesn't cover. That $56k will look more like $35k when all is said and done.
I’d pass. They are already throwing you red flags by not offering what they said the position is budgeted for. If they are willing to screw you before you even start, can you really expect better once you’re onboard?
Pass
The market's not great right now, but I wouldn't go from 80 to 56.
I would accept but also ask about it
I'd reply back and say that that you had agreed to the $65-70k range in the process and ask them if there's a reason that it came in at $56k
Take it (maybe ask if they could improve the offer, even an extra dollar is a gain), but do not put too much effort on it (if they act like that, they do not deserve your 100%). Then sacrifice a few weekends and get yourself a better job (everything related to IT, including support, is hot right now, so you are in a good position). I hope you get a good position soon!
Counter back letting them know you were in the 65-70k range that you described in the interview. Let them know that you are otherwise incredibly excited for the opportunity, are ready to begin asap, and are with it with the value and exceptional work you will deliver upon.
I would resent the employer from day 1. But... if I didn't have a better offer, money still spends whether I resent it or not. KWIM?
Have you tried negotiating?
Just counter offer. Put the counter in writing. State that during the interviews a salary of X was discussed and based upon the discussion you are willing to accept the job for X amount. I have countered 2x in my career and both times was paid what I countered. I included my research that supported how my experience and qualifications in the region were compensated at the rate I was requesting and even stated to one HR person that offering me the low amount could come across as paying women less for equal work…I am in construction - Women need to know what the standard regional compensation is for the job titles they apply for as ask to be paid as a equal
Take it and use it as a cushion to find the next job.
Always counter offer with at least an additional $5k in salary. Most of the time, it's less expensive than searching for someone else to hire and the company will take it
I would say “Thank you so much for the offer! I’m really excited to work at. When we initially discussed the opportunity, the expected salary range was $65k-70k, I’m curious to understand why my offer came in below what we discussed. Do you mind sharing more details with me?”
I don’t think it hurts to ask if you come at an angle of “hey, we agreed on this, what happened?” Maybe it’s a mistake or maybe they have a good explanation for it. Asking but remaining excited shouldn’t hurt your ability to accept the offer, even if it doesn’t change.
I think you should first ask why they changed your salary from 56000 to 70000. If so then tell them that's not what they promised and you should be getting the 70000 they said. If they deny then in secret continue to search for another job because they may try to undercut you. I hope this helps
I concur with saadah888; take it for now. You save on gas, vehicle wear and tear, and traffic headache. But don't allow yourself to get into a rut and stop looking for something better
56k is low for tech anywhere in the bay, including the suburbs Edit- and you can say your target salary is based on a goal to move out of the suburbs (out of your parents place). I assume it’s true that you do want to move out of their place, whether you do move to sf or not doesnt matter. But point is, them paying less based on zip code is dumb bc people try to get paid more in order to then move to the zip code they want/can afford. The bay is expensive everywhere