What do you think about this job offer?

Question

I was asked about my expected salary during the first interview, I asked them how much they offer for the position with my skills and experience, they did not answer, so I told them how much I'm making now so that, they know if they can afford that, so they wont waste their time. So I was called for second interview with no mention of the salary and was later offered the job. What they put in the offer is pretty much the same as what I make except that I work shorter hours at my current job. Therefore I told them that with their pay and hours, I would end up making less than my current job. So they told me they will see what they can do, but that's their standard pay for the position. Their offer (with the low salary) has expired, while Im waiting for their decision. Isn't it a bit weird? Shouldn't they have come back to me and say whether they will pay more or the same, before the offer expired? What do you think of the situation?

Answer 1

While many companies are trying to lowball people due to today's economy, there's no reason for you to take this position. You should be continually moving forward and upward in your career -- and this clearly seems like a lateral move at best.  If this is a fantastic opportunity where you think you'll just adore the work, then by all means you should pursue it further...but otherwise it's probably a safe bet to let this one go and focus on another employer who will give you an increase. It is standard practice to get a boost when you switch jobs, so aim for that.  Given that you have a job already and you're not under pressure to take the first thing that comes your way, you can afford to pick and choose.

We recommend you contact the employer who made you the offer one more time, and let them know that you're still very interested, but give them the rock bottom price where you'd be comfortable taking the job. That price should be higher than what you earn now.  If they revise the offer upwards, great. If not, well, that tells you a lot about this company...it could be very difficult to get a pay raise there in the future.  Probably best to pass on it -- there are thousands of positions open out there, many of which likely pay quite a bit more than what you're currently earning.

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Hope that was helpful!

Answer 2

Switching jobs in a bad economy almost always means a pay cut.  You can follow up with a phone call to see if the position is still open, but sounds like you missed the window on this one....

Sure hope not!  Good Luck!