I'd love some feedback on how to interpret a recent offer experience. After 4 interviews I was asked to email my earnings expectations and base salary target prior to an actual offer from the company. This is a salary + commission role. I'd verbally provided a range more than once for the base in previous conversations. I followed up as requested and asked for the top end of my range along with providing the justification for my worth in an email. A few days later the hiring manager called back with a base salary that was more than 40% less than the base I'd asked for. The offer was $10k less than the low end of the range I'd mentioned verbally. I was given 48 hours to consider. I would also have 90 days to sell a specified quota during a probationary period. Up until this point we seemed like we were on the same page and looking good. With this limited insight, what happened? Thanks for the input.
Until you have something, you have nothing.
Robert:
It's easy to nod and give an "uh-huh" during casual conversations, but when the pen hits the paper the truth is revealed.
It just seems you're not on the same page - and you have to determine whether you're willing to accept that or not. This really isn't so much a negotiation, even if you could get 10% more than their offer.
Did you do your research? Are you sure you're asking a market rate? Do you have unreasonable expectations? Are you representing the value you bring to the business? There's only two conclusions - either you have inflated expectations or the company significantly under-compensates it's employees. I would caution that salary isn't everything, although the disparity here is most likely going to make the relationship uncomfortable.
My advice - go forth, collect more offers, and learn from this experience. You either have to step up your interview skills and apply for jobs that have the salary you're expecting or you need to continue to gain experience to grow into the salary you want.
Good luck!
Regards,
Jonathan
Thanks Jonathan. I do
Thanks Jonathan. I do have the unique advantage of having a friend working for the company in the same role. So I'm aware of the current comp plan. Thanks for the insight.