Employer states low salary up front
I applied for a job, from an online ad, which stated the salary as "$26,000+ (depending on experience)." Although that salary is WAY too low, particularly considering it is NOT entry-level, and requires a number of different skills, I am currently unemployed and figured the "depending on experience" portion might leave room for a little negotiation. At least to something resembling a living wage. Plus, I really like the company's focus as a whole. I was indeed called in to interview with the company, and the interviewer told me straight out that the starting salary for the position was 26k, plus there's a 3 month waiting period for benefits. She didn't ask me if I was OK with that, but was simply telling me matter-of-factly. I let the interviewer keep talking, without saying anything, since it didn't seem like a good idea to say anything at that point. At the end of the interview, I was asked about coming in for a second interview (I assume with someone higher up the ladder). So, the question is... at what point should I bring up the salary issue? If I go back for a second interview, and the person I speak to doesn't bring up salary, should I say anything? If I do get a job offer, it's obvious they'll only offer the 26k; but I'm wondering if this a common tactic to keep people from trying to negotiate? Especially considering it's doubtful they'll find someone willing to take LESS money than that. Does it sound like there's any hope here at all? Do the second interview and wait until they bring up the salary. Try to impress them as much as possible since the point will be that you need to show them you are worth more than $26K. If they make the $26K offer, you have two choices. You can try for more (and risk losing this opportunity) or take it (since you are unemployed). But wait until they bring up salary again.
If you aren't employed, then time off isn't an issue. As such, I would go through the interview for the practice. If they are that far off from your salary, it is highly doubtful that they will come to where you need to be. However, be honest if they ask your salary expectations and go from there. You never know if this position isn't the right one, mayeb something will come up in a month or two and if they remember you due to a strong interview, they may consider youf or that.
I regret to write that I don't think there are a lot of options here. Since you're not working, I would assume that you need an income - even if it's lower than you could otherwise earn. I think you should let them make a salary offer. If it is $26K, about all you can do is politely ask if the offer is negotiable. If it's not, take the job and quietly continue your job search for a better opportunity. If the salary isn't mentioned during the second interview, you could mention that during the first interview you were told that the salary would be $26K and then politely ask if it's possible that the amount is negotiable, assuming you get the sense that you're going to be offered the job. My bet would be that the offer won't be negotiable, but if it is, I doubt that they're going to be willing to go up very much - which means that you might be able to negotiate a couple of grand more per year, but being paid $28K - or even $30K - would still make this job not much more than a stop-gap measure until something better comes along. Paul W. Barada The Negotiation Expert How negotiable are you looking for it to be? If you're looking for a couple thousand more, it is probably worth asking about (although the answer may well be no). If you're looking for $10K more, then move on.
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