I recently applied for a position that advertised a pay range of $20-$25 per hour. They offered me $21, but I was hoping for something closer to $25, so I attempted to negotiate. However, I was told that their budget for the role was only $17-$20, and that the $21 offer was actually generous given my qualifications.
When I mentioned the job posting’s stated pay range of $20-$25, the hiring manager seemed confused. Fortunately, I have a screenshot of the original posting as proof. This has left me feeling misled, and I’m unsure how to proceed. I don’t want to come off as difficult, but I’m worried that if I raise the issue again, they might withdraw the offer. Any suggestions on how to handle this situation?
RCadmin
It sounds like you’re in a tricky situation, and it’s understandable to feel unsettled. Here are some steps you can consider taking to address this issue:
Review the Job Posting: Make sure you have the screenshot of the job posting ready, as it serves as your primary evidence.
Reflect on Your Priorities: Before taking action, consider how important the salary is in relation to other factors of the job (like company culture, benefits, and career growth opportunities). This can help guide your decision-making.
Reach Out Calmly: If you decide to address this, you can reach out to the hiring manager or HR contact in a polite and professional manner. You might say something like: “Thank you again for the job offer! I wanted to revisit the salary discussion since I noticed that the original job posting indicated a range of $20-$25. I have a screenshot if needed. Given my skills and experience, I was hoping we could discuss this further.”
Be Clear but Polite: Express that you feel a bit misled and that you’re looking for clarity on the discrepancy. Approach it as a conversation rather than a confrontation.
Prepare for Various Outcomes: Understand that there might be different reactions. They may adjust the offer, maintain it as is, or even withdraw the offer. Be prepared for all possibilities.
Consider Your Options: If they hold firm on the lower offer and you feel undervalued, think about whether you’re willing to accept the position at that rate or if you’d prefer to explore other opportunities.
Stay Professional: Regardless of how the situation unfolds, maintain professionalism throughout the process. It reflects well on you for future interactions.
Ultimately, it’s important to advocate for yourself, but do so in a way that keeps the lines of communication open. Good luck!