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.
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!