r/interviews • u/rasta-ragamuffin • 20d ago
Salary expectations for a lower role
Hello fellow redditors, I finally have an interview scheduled for an opportunity I'm very interested in after 4 years of unemployment. I'm a referral (from a former colleague who works there now) and I have 7 years of experience doing a very similar job in the same industry (20 years ago). This job unfortunately does not pay well and would be a step backwards in both title and pay, however beggars can't be choosers and I feel very lucky and grateful to even be considered for the job.
A salary range was provided in the job post. Even though I would probably accept the job at the lowest salary in the range, I feel that my experience doing a very similar job in the same industry and additional experience in higher level roles, justifies a salary expectation at the higher end of the range. (Even at the highest pay in the range, I would still be a great bargain for them.) When the recruiter asks me what my salary expectation is, should I give the midpoint, the highpoint or no number at all? Should I let her know that even the highest salary in their range is significantly less than what I made in my last (also underpaid) role? I don't want to price myself out of consideration (for an opportunity that is a great fit for me in every way besides the pay) but I also don't want to be offered less than the midpoint. (I would probably still accept since I have no other good options at the moment, but I would be resentful working for that low of pay, and that's not a good way to feel when starting a new job.)
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u/Cool_And_The 19d ago
So this negotiation isn't about your starting salary... it's about getting you back in the game?
Would it be a ridiculous idea for you to focus on making this the job that sets up EVERY salary raise/better job for the rest of your life?
When they ask how much you expect to be paid, ask back - "How can I be guaranteed to be involved in projects that are critical to the company's future?"
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u/SemjaDeal 18d ago
If they have offerred a salary range in the job description, then it is reasonable for you with the appropriate (and probably greater) level of experience to state you would be looking at the top end of the scale. Stating that you were paid more previously doesnt really help the discussion, the employer has set out their range, whatever other people paid in the past is largely irrelevent in this case. Of course if you find out during the interview process the actual role is not commensurate with the wage offered, then you may bring this into play.
The best way to assure yourself of the best pay is focus on being the best candidate in the interview process. Your experience and performance in the interview process should prove you are worthy of the top of the pay grade. The time to negotiate the pay is after they have chosen you for the job, THAT is when the real negotiation for pay starts when they are at least mentally comitted to getting you and your skills.
When they make their first offer if it is below what you expected, politely go back to them and state what the description promised and that you would be excited to join if they increase the offer to XXX. During these conversations stay positive be bold, but always ensure you message you are excited and keen to join them. Hold your nerve, if they say no, ask them for 24 hours to consider (it may give them time to reconsider as well). If they move slightly but not to where you wanted thank them for the increase, ask them to meet you halfway (or whatever you feel appropriate) between their latest offer and your goal. Worst case accept what you are offerred, at that point you cant really lose out.
Good luck in the interviews!
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u/rasta-ragamuffin 18d ago
I think this is the best advice I've received so far. Thank you
Do you think that my 7 years of experience doing an almost identical job in the same industry (plus several more years performing a higher level job in a similar industry) is enough to justify an expectation of a salary at the top end of the pay range? I don't want to sound greedy or arrogant, but I don't want to sell myself short either. I expect to retire in the next 5-10 years and I need to make up for lost time in my savings as much as I possibly can.
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u/millenialismistical 19d ago
Ask them what level of experience constitutes consideration at the high end of the range and discuss from there. Subtract 5-10% for each experience gap.