Getting a job offer but still getting low-balled. Why?

Perhaps they felt you didn't have the experience and/or qualifications to merit the top amount posted in the job description.

Are you in the state where salary ranges are required to be posted by law?

If so, they are required to post the upper limits but are no means obligated to pay that

They may have a budget or an understanding of a softening labor market that's not reflected in that top band.

They may also have other candidates.

Thanks for the responses. I'm in Colorado. Will have to look up the posting laws.

This was actually a mid-level position. I have over 20 years experience. The interview went great, the team seemed excited. Then came the offer. Ugh. Not what I was expecting at all.

Live and learn, I guess. It just felt so... small at the end. (I know, I know. That's what she said.)

R3 You have 20 years of experience and the job only pays $20K per year?

No, R4. I'm thankfully in the six digits (not like some of you guys though). What I meant was, the annual amount they offered was $20k below the top amount posted in their job description.

To be honest, no one ever gets brought in at the top end of the range. It would set them up for a salary that exceeds their range in very short order. Realistically you should feel good about hitting slightly above the midpoint as a starting salary.

A better choice might be to expect mid point with an agreement to re-evaluate at 6 months rather than a more typical year-long wait.

Just my thoughts.

OP, I worked within a major corporation where all positions are assigned a pay grade. If you know the salary range of this open position then I assume they posted the pay grade.

Let's say the position is classified as a Grade 20 and the range was $100,000 to $140,000 and they offered you $120,000. Managers cannot bring in someone at the top of a defined pay grade since there is no room to systematically increase the salary via merit increases or COLA adjustments. The only option would be to reclassify the position when the employee hits that upper tier. Depending on the company that is not easily done and is usually not a manager's perogative.

Within large companies all pay grades, regardless of department, have similar requirements within each pay grade based on educational requirements, years of experience required, certifications, etc. relative to that particular field.

OP, if you accept the job at the mid-point salary, you have more room for salary growth over the time and can get bigger merit increases each year. If you hold out for the highest tier, your annual increases will be small and you'll hit the top range and have nowhere to go after that.

Okay. Important note to self: Ask Datalounge BEFORE saying no.

Thanks all. Appreciate it.

Update: I called HR back and said I'd reconsidered. Thankfully, the offer was still open and they didn't give me too much shit about being a dumbass. They even threw in working from home 2-3 days a week so the Chihuahuas won't get to destroy ALL the furniture. Maybe.

Cheers DL. I owe ya.

R10 Good luck in your new role! Keep us updated.

Congrats, OP! Another factor companies face with job offers to new hires - the salary ranges for established persons with similar education and experience. It would be problematic bringing in someone new without the organizational experience an established person would have at a higher rate.

Only if it's tawdry and inappropriate, R11. ;)

I am just so relieved to have a place to land, R12. The job market is a fucking beast right now. My plan is to be in sponge mode for the rest of the year.

Op next time present hole. They’ll agree to your offer.

Now reply with your Torta account!

Job market is so shitty - they're interviewing and low-balling because there are so many applicants and people willing to take anything.

This is why I talk about Salary before an offer.You should be very clear on your expectations before you get to this point. If they don't want to or give you some wide range is a red flag.

Haha.

Maybe TORTA can present hole. I have a hunch it would be better received.

If I presented hole, I'd be run out of the country and rightfully so.

Congratulations, OP! I'm glad your story had a happy ending, even if it wasn't a hand job.

The night's still young, R20. :)

Their decision was to take you on, at a price for what they felt you were worth to the company. With room to later have raises. If you say no, if you are good enough to them, they will come back with a higher salary..

R22 You don’t know this company

I got them to raise their offer by another $10k, R22. $5k added to base salary and $5k as a signing bonus.

The company is Boeing, btw.

Cute story.

Wow, OP, your post reminds me of a situation I was in several years ago. My old job ended when the small company was sold to a much larger firm. I had a solid education, lots of experience, and good references. A friend pointed me to a perfect job opportunity in his company - a large, well-respected, established business with offices all over the world. Interviews went great, and I was sure that they would make me an offer. Like you, their offer came in below what I was expecting, and what I had been paid at my previous job (where I had worked up from an entry-level position to a C-Suite position). I reluctantly accepted the job, since the market at the time was slow.

Things went really well. They liked me, especially my problem-solving ability, and my willingness to do what was needed. Long story short, I not only received several pay raises but was also promoted to Vice President within two years. The lesson I learned was that if the job is a good fit and you enjoy working with the people, proving yourself will ultimately lead to a much better position than the one you left.

Congrats mok! I landed a good job 2 years ago after a long year-plus of searching, and hope I can keep it 7 more years or so. I’m 58, and the ageism struggle is real if you’re 50+ and looking to get hired.

Won’t be presenting hole but I’ll say it was a rather pert and lovely rump back in ‘98 when I first showed up here. Don’t know what you got ‘til it’s gone 🎵

r24 Oh shit I know a lot of higher ups at Boeing :D lol

r27 Wow, that's cool that you just happened to show up right on queue! What a coincidence.

Fingers crossed, R26. Good for you for making things work. I'd be a terrible manager but would love to make a long-term go of things here. Job hunting is far too much like dating. I hate it.

Torta, I'm a little younger than you but I absolutely relate... because we're the same person, don't you know.

Pert. That's the name of a shampoo. Right?

20k doesn't sound too bad as long as you don't have student debt, have a rent-stabilized apt. and don't eat much. I would take the job if I were you. Jobs can be so hard. Working at home is a dream come true.

R31 see R5

[quote] working from home 2-3 days a week

That's worth 30k

I might be poor, but at least I don't have to work anymore.

Congratulations, OP!! Kisses!

[Quote] your new role!

I fucking hate the word ROLE. This isnt Hollywood. Its a JOB FFS.

Why did this OP get greyed out? Baffling. (I have the midpoint setting, vs "Asbestos Eyeballs")

Good luck on your new job OP

Well,, obviously you're black and HR has been watching them in the office trying to "hire" you, so they have to downplay your value so they can say you turned it down because you're uppity.

[quote] I got them to raise their offer by another $10k, [R22]. $5k added to base salary and $5k as a signing bonus.

So what is the final number you arrived at? This is anonymous so you can say.

Well. Remind me never to create a thread. I got frozen out for two days. Not worth it, Muriel/webmaster.

Sorry for only getting back to you now, R34 / Senior Lesbian. Had I been able, I would have written back right away.

Thanks for the note of bafflement, R36. I share it completely. I've canceled my subscription. This is bullshit.

R37, that's hilarious. Not only am I white but I'm Irish and so pale as to be translucent.

R38, I'd rather not say.

Sorry, Mok. They did it to me as well. F&F abuse. It’s their form of bullying and it is indeed bullshit. I’ve had a weird stalker/harasser or two since coming back here a year ago. Been locked out eight or nine times so far and it’s definitely the person who chases me around and makes nutbar accusations.

[quote] Anyone know the logic behind offering less to a final candidate?

It's called corporate greed. That range they listed in their ad (is nothing more than the old bait and switch scam).

Good luck to you, Torta. There are some incredibly stupid people on this site.

They just aren't the extra $20K in to you OP.