What to do when a job offer is made but with a salary less than what was asked for?

Question

I got a job offer this morning from a place I interviewed at yesterday for a front end developer position in nyc. I told them my salary expectation is 75k in the email to which they responded to set up the interview. I don't like haggling, so for me when I say 75k I mean 75k. I know a lot of people start at a higher number and then come down to the amount they would settle for. Perhaps this is what the HR person assumed and now they are offering me the job for 70k. I told them on the phone this morning that I really want 75k and she said she will see what she can do, I just called her back and she still says she isn't able to get that approved and that 70k is really the highest for anyone they hire no matter who it is. It's just frustrating because I assume if they responded to the initial email then it is understood that they are willing to pay me the amount I was asking for. What are your experiences on the matter, did you end up accepting or declined?

Answer 1

This is very common. I interview for positions within my company regularly. I would not have interviewed you if I knew I could not pay you what you were looking for and I would have had that conversation prior to conducting an in person interview.

I think they can pay you the 75K, they are playing hard ball and that can be for many reasons. Wiggle room for bonuses, raises etc.

I would not call them back as long as you made your point clear, they should have time to think about it.

At this point they are either lacking candidates that are as good as you, or they are wanting to see more candidates in case they can hire someone at their 70K cap that they told you.

HR goes by what the leadership team/CFO, CEO etc sets on salary. Can you get an email name of the individulas that interviewed you? You should always send a thank you email or letter anyway, so maybe that is a good time to let them know you would love the job and believe you would be an asset to their company, but you MUST have 75K as you stated in the application.

I set high end salaries on some of my positions too, but if I come across a candidate that is great, I am willing to pay a little bit more.

Did they send you an offer in writing or is this just all verbal? I say the ball is in their court, wait for them and see how much they want you after you allow the leadership team to understand your position.

Future advise.....ask all these questions in the interview process since I am sure they asked you if you had any questions. No haggling needed, just express your needs.

Hope this helps,

Marie