I recently applied for a position that advertised an hourly pay of $20-$25. They offered me $21, but I was hoping for something closer to $25, so I attempted to negotiate. However, they informed me that the budget for the role was actually only $17-$20 and that the $21 offer was a special case due to my qualifications.
When I pointed out that the job posting clearly stated a pay range of $20-$25, the representative seemed confused. Fortunately, I have a screenshot of the original posting as evidence. I’m feeling a bit unsettled by this situation and sense that I may have been misled.
I would appreciate any advice on how to address this without being difficult, as I’m worried that raising the issue again could jeopardize the job offer.
RCadmin
It sounds like you’re in a tricky situation, but it’s definitely something you can navigate. Here are some steps you might consider taking:
Gather Evidence: Since you have a screenshot of the original job posting, make sure to keep it handy. This will be helpful if you decide to raise the issue.
Evaluate Your Options: Before responding, think about what you want to achieve. Are you looking for a higher salary, or are you more interested in being transparent about the discrepancy?
Reach Out: Consider sending a polite email to the hiring manager or HR representative. You could express your gratitude for the offer and mention the confusion regarding the salary range. Here’s a possible way to phrase it:
“Thank you for the job offer! I’m very excited about the opportunity to join the team. I wanted to clarify a detail regarding the pay scale; the job posting indicated a range of $20-$25, while I understand the budget for the role is set lower. Could we discuss this discrepancy? I believe my skills and experience align well with the higher end of that range.”
Be Open to Dialogue: Approach the conversation as a discussion rather than a confrontation. This way, you can express your concerns while also showing that you’re willing to understand their perspective.
Prepare for Responses: Be ready for different outcomes. They may acknowledge the mistake and offer a higher salary, or they may stand by their budget. In either case, having your evidence will strengthen your case.
Know Your Worth: If it becomes clear that they can’t meet your expectations, consider whether you’re willing to accept the offer at $21 or if you would prefer to explore other opportunities that align with your salary expectations.
Remember, advocating for yourself is a normal part of the job negotiation process, but it’s important to approach it with professionalism. Good luck!