Lowball job offer - take it or leave it?
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Anonymous
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Hi,
I am just starting to job-hunt, for a mid-level IT position like the one I currently have. I got a screening call from a company last week, and among other things, we talked about salary (I told her that my salary was in the eighties). She indicated that she would relay all my info to the hiring manager, and that I might receive a call for an interview. I had an interview today that went very well, and within an hour, the HR rep called me and said they wanted to offer me the job. The problem is, the offer is only $70,000. I've never received a job offer that was lower than what I was currently making. I didn't know what to say, I was so surprised - especially when she was supposed to tell the hiring manager what I was making. I think I just said that I needed something closer to what I am making now. She said she would get back to me. I am very unhappy in my current job - layoffs are rampant and I am getting worried, but I'm not sure if taking a paycut is the right move. It would be a better job and commute, but I do have to pay my bills (I'm a single mom). Any thoughts? |
Anonymous
| Never take the first offer. It's always just a starting point to begin negotiations. |
Anonymous
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Why would an employer go through the whole screening and interview process, then offer the best candidate less than what s/he is currently making?
That just seems like a waste of everyone's time. I can't imagine that many people would bite. |
Anonymous
| Nope, get at least a couple thousand more than you are making now. Or at least equal. Do not take a pay cut. |
Anonymous
| Just tell them directly that you won't consider moving for less than X% more than your current salary. |
Anonymous
| Agree with others. Negotiate or walk. |
Anonymous
| Negotiate. At a minimum they need to "make you whole." |
Anonymous
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OP here. Thanks for all your replies.
Normally I would negotiate hard or walk, but my company is reorganizing and there have been a ton of layoffs. My position, and perhaps whole department, may be gone by the end of the year. So I'm weighing the risks of sticking around. This was my first interview, after sending out about 20 resumes, so I'm worried about future job offers materializing in the next few months. |
Anonymous
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If you take it, you start there from a position of weakness.
That won't be something you overcome. |
Anonymous
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I think some companies are limited in the range of a salary that they can offer. But usually they try to make up for it in other areas. ie better quality of life or benefits. Do you know if the company is like that?
Also take into consideration how much your commuting costs are or what you would expect and how much you would save if you take this job with the better commute. But I agree with others where you can try to negotiate or see what else is out there. |
Anonymous
Agree. It's so rude. |
Anonymous
| You can find a better job. Keep looking. You haven't been laid off yet- it sounds like you have a few months. Don't settle- it is a good job market, you should be able to find something with a 5%-10% salary increase |
Anonymous
| and never let the new job know you are unhappy in your current job, and you are afraid of a layoff, because that's when they lowball you. Be confident. Sell yourself and your skills and why you are worth more than you are currently making. |
Anonymous
| Depends on your circumstances but a "better job and commute" can be worth $10,000 or more depending how bad your commute or job is now. |
Anonymous
The answer is really simple OP. Can you picture yourself unemployed, and wishing you'd taken that $70K job? if so, then do it. |