Pay cut to get hired?

[Anonymous]

Spouse is loking for a new job (still employed but the company business slowed down a lot). Spouse decided to apply for a similar position in a comparable company, suggesting a much lower salary in order to get hired (the company has multiple locations and the positions advertised may even be in a different state with lower cost of living)
I think is a terrible idea, it makes them look desperate.
What do you think?

[Anonymous]

Awful idea. Is he not competent or a good employee? If he is, always ask for market rate.

[Anonymous]

Terrible idea. Never take less. He will have to fight to get back to where he was and merit will be 3% a year. He might never get there again depending on how deep the pay cut is. Also I’ve never seen anyone do it and Not be bitter about it. At the very least go lateral.

[Anonymous]

No keep looking. At the very least break even if everything is comparable. My DH is like this too. Undersells himself constantly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Terrible idea. Never take less. He will have to fight to get back to where he was and merit will be 3% a year. He might never get there again depending on how deep the pay cut is. Also I’ve never seen anyone do it and Not be bitter about it. At the very least go lateral.

+100%

You have the most negotiating power BEFORE you accept a job. Companies are notorious for making substantial raises (other than cost of living) difficult for current employees, but will hire new people (for the same role) at higher salaries!!!

Negotiate for same salary (or higher salary) or keep looking.