Advice on salary discussions
Hello all,
I just recently declined an offer because we could not agree on the compensation package. I’m trying to figure out if I made any missteps in the process so I don’t sink this much effort again into pursuing a position that won’t pay adequately. The job listing on LinkedIn had an employer provided salary range and I was within that range. In the phone screen with HR, they asked me and I provided my salary expectations. I noted there’s some flexibility depending on the bonus plan and benefits package. In the next round with the hiring manager, my salary expectations came up again and they noted that I was above their range and asked me to reconnect with HR on this matter before we continue. I wrote to HR but didn’t get a reply. I was then asked to interview again with the hiring manager. I made it clear that I didn’t connect with HR yet and they said it’s fine. I guess I wrongly assumed that they were willing to increase their budget since they wanted to continue the conversation with me? Anyway, fast forward past the reference checks and other touch points with HR and the hiring manager with no further discussions about salary, I get an offer that is way below my expectations. I try to negotiate for more pay but they are firm, and so I decided to decline. What should I have done differently? Thanks!!
I don't think you did anything wrong here! You advocated for yourself in a professional manner and was transparent about your salary requirements. Good for you and good luck in your search.
It sounds like they were being manipulative. You did the right thing by professionally advocating for yourself. Sounds like it wouldn't be a good fit and it makes me question if there would be upward mobility for you there. Have you checked their Glassdoor reviews or known people who work there/used to work there to give you insider knowledge?
If you go back and analyze the process you went though - which is lined out in your post, you come to the conclusion you communicated and they didn't. You might have read between the lines that the hiring manager didn't want to negotiate with you, hence your referral back to HR. It could be that the hiring manager was trying to leverage your ask to signal to the company that the budget was too low,
I don't think you should have done something differently. I think that in some situations you need to accept that you don't know what issues are at play. It's very frustrating for you. I agree with Anne - probably not a good environment to work in.
If I am clear, in the job ad they stated a salary range that was acceptable to you, but during the hiring process they changed the range. Is that true? If so, you did nothing wrong, and I know this is hard to hear right now because you really wanted the position, but you did the best thing for yourself. This company played bait and switch with you. I’m my experience if they treat you like this in the hiring process, working for the company is usually a mistake. Plus they told you to contact HR, and you did. Then HR ignored you even though they were tasked with salary negotiations. This would be worse as an employee. Good luck on your job search. You will find a better fit!
Yes, that’s exactly what happened. Thank you!