I answered an interview question with a really bad answer, what should I do?

Question

It's not really THAT bad, unless you are me. I was applying to a job that was paying $10-$15 an hour and they only wanted 1= to 2 years experience. I have about 5-6 years experience and only want a full-time job if it is going to pay REALLY good since I will have to put baby in daycare and, for this job, drive about 20-30 miles everyday. Well, I was asked what the LOWEST amount I would accept for pay and I just said...."Absolute lowest would be $18,000/year" I thought for ANY job! I screwed up my chances of getting paid what I should be getting paid.
This interview was with agency hiring for the company and I have an interview with the Co. on Tuesday. I pretty much have the job....I hope(I worked for them before at a different store) but what do I do to fix this? I need at least $13.00hr to go back to work that far from home. Should I email the guy and say I said too low? please give me some suggestions.

Answer 1

Call and tell him/her that you calculated your needs and you need to adjust your minimum salary requirements if you said that to the agency (e.g. recruiter).

If you said that to the company directly, you may be able to get the recruiter to advocate for you and renegotiate a better starting salary.

If you get an offer of the lower amount, you may have to accept it or pass on the offer if they won't budge.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Based on your experience, references, and other factors, they should give you what your worth, but if they don't, you have a choice to make.If your not in need of money badly at the present moment and you can survive a few months without a job, I say hold out until you can find a better one. If you are in need of money, and I think you are because you have a CHILD, take the job, and look for something else, at least you will have an income. If childcare is too expensive, and you have family members, let them babysit. If not, in home childcare is wonderful just be sure to find someone that is licensed and trust worthy. And one more thing always ask for over the salary, more than the job pays, they will meet you somewhere in the middle.

Answer 3

No, you should wait and hear if they hire you. If they do offer you the job, say that you want to discuss the starting salary (as no specific offer was made in the interview). Articulate why you deserve at least $13 per hour (NOT personal reasons like daycare, but reasons why your education and experience will increase value at the company). Phoning the company at this point in time would be a big mistake.

Answer 4

You definitely should contact them and say that in your excitement and enthusiasm about possibly working for them, you underestimated the amount you required. Explain that you are so sorry for the confusion, and let them know the minimum amount you would be able to work for.
I am sure that if you are the best candidate for the position, and have that much experience..that they will consider that. If it doesn't work out..and you don't get it..believe me..it wasn't meant to be and there will be another job around the corner that pays minimum or more..enough to cover all expenses.

By the way..it' soooooo expensive to have a child in daycare, isn't it? I wish you the best of luck with this situation, and all others!

Answer 5

I have done the same thing in the past. Before you do anything, find out what they are offering. Since it is agency, it was probably just a routine question they aske everyone. However, if you find out they are not going to pay you what you need, I would just tell them the truth. Something along the lines of "Do you have any other positions open at this time? I mis-spoke during the interview process. " From there tell them what you need and why you need it. Honesty is the best policy.

Answer 6

At this point, let your experience dictate your pay-rate. I understand your worry, but let the employer make the decision. Remember, not all employers are going to pay the lowest amount. They have rules that they have to follow also!!!

For example, say the average Secretary in your area earns between $22,000 - $27,000 a year. The company has alloted $25,000 for that position. So the company may pay $23,000 for that position. It saves them $2000 a year.

Don't bug them. It will look like you are too desprate and unprofessional.

Good Luck!!

Answer 7

It doesn't sound like he's qouted you any amount yet.

WHEN and if he qoutes you how much he wants to pay you, and if it's too low...then let the negotiations begin. That's what NEGOTIATING salary is all about babe.

If he says "well you said.. $18k a year before.." Say "DID I? What was I thinking? You probably had me nervous at that time!" LOL

Loosen up. It's fixable.

oh, and how much you personally need to survive is very important to any employer who wants you for the LONG term. If they can't pay you enough to support your CURRENT living arrangements, then they have to either meet your need, or hire someone else. You will depend on that salary ... unless they want you moonlighting, they must be able to meet your needs.

Answer 8

Drive a hard bargain. Ask for what you really want. If the employer can't pay you, keep looking until you find an employer that will pay you commensurate with your experience. If you've got small kids, explore work-at-home. If you can use a computer, and you're able to do so for extended periods of time, tele-work might be for you. If some kid in india can help people with their math homework or something, and get paid for it, so can you...

Answer 9

LOL@ the screwdriver! I went threw a long and drawn out interview process with Toyota. By the 2nd month, after the interviews, tests, etc., I had yet another interview with a GM. He asked me "Why should we hire you?" I honestly replied "After going through this long and drawn out interview process, I have come to see how disorganized you are. On top of that, your pay is horrendous for a Senior Engineer and your benefits are horrible. Why should I work for you?" I was offered the job the next day. I didn't take it; I meant everything that I said.

Answer 10

I did not read all of your other answers, so if this is repeat, sorry. If you said minimum acceptable pay was 18,000/year, and you will work 40 hours a week, then your pay will be less than $10/hour. So, either ask them to fix the error, saying you meant 28,000 or cut your losses and go elsewhere.

Answer 11

I think you can blame it on daycare so you aren't sounding too greedy.

Tell the dude that you underestimated the cost of daycare. After arranging daycare for your child, you realized you needed salary is greater than you had estimated before. (also you can address the rising cost of gasoline...it is 3.25 here and 20/30 miles is a lot!)

And if that doesn't play, maybe that job was really not for you in the first place???

Good luck!