Job Offer Etiquette regarding salary?

Question

I have just been offered a job I really liked the look of, trouble is the salary on advert was £14,991 - 18,882 (London). And they've offered me the bottom and as a recent graduate I just can't afford to live on that. Also they don't want to me start until Sep due to CRBchecks but I'd rather I started once these were done (3-6 weeks).

I feel terribly guilty as at the beginning of the phonecall (before salary and starting date where mentioned) I sounded really into the job and hate letting people down.

I want to compose an email to them (as I feel it hard to stick to what I mean on the phone) what should I say?

Also if I asked for a new salary offer then what do I do if they phone me up with one that still isn't enough? (I really need the 17k just to live - no fancy luxuries included).

Answer 1

In the states, you need to call them and talk to them honestly about the salary. It is a negotiating point, and you may want to approach it from understanding how they came up with the offer given the range that was listed in the advertisement. There are only so many points you can negotiate, so you may have to give up on the earlier start date, but put it to them in the form of you are really excited and ready to start at the earliest possible time, and are available in 6-8 weeks, etc. But this should be done on the phone, or they can just simply dismiss your requests. Its as uncomfortable for them to talk about salary, as it is for you, so as long as you are making a reasonable request, they should be willing (and expecting) to talk about it.

Answer 2

As a recent graduate you will not get anything other than the bottom of the pay scale...unless you have at least one years relevant work experience elsewhere.

I know it seems tough at the beginning when you know you can do the job well, but that is just the way it is!

As the job is in London, it should also include a London weighting (usually a few thousand a year)...do you know if this is included, or if there is a londonw weighting to be added on top of the salary? It might be an idea to ask about this, rather than asking for more money.

I think it is doubtful that you will get 17,000 which is quite a few steps up the pay scale if you have only just graduated. If there is no London weighting, then I would ask - find a similar job for recent graduates with a higher starting salary to compare it with perhaps.

Answer 3

I'm afraid you are going to have to bite the bullet and call them. Simply tell them that you have been going over your budget and will need the 17,000 to make ends meet. Apologize for the inconvenience and be prepared if they say they will have to get back to you. As far as the starting time there probably isn't much that you or they can do about that. Calling shows a much higher degree of confidence and professionalism and they'll be much more inclined to consider your request than they will if you send an email. In any case, most likely they will call you back to discuss the situation. Be aware that businesses like to pay as little as possible so be firm with your number, if you can't live on anything less than that amount, then it makes no sense to take a job paying less. Your employment record will not be enhanced by taking a job and then leaving soon after for another.

Answer 4

Maybe this strategy might work for you. Let your employer know that while you are excited about coming to work with them and understand that as a recent grad the pay will be on the lower end of the range, ask them if they would be open to a 90-day, 6 month, and then 12 month evaluation, with a chance for a small pay raise each time?

That way, you get a chance to work the job you want to do, your employer gets to see firsthand what an excellent, hard worker you are. They get to reward you for your work and you get more money without waiting up to a year for a raise. Maybe for the first 3-6 months you could get a small parttime job or find another way to make extra money.

I often did this for entry level jobs I managed, because with recent grads you sometimes don't know how it's going to work out. I wanted to reward good workers, but started them a bit low in case they did only an okay job.

Good luck!

Answer 5

I just went through the same thing- you have to be up-front with them. Just say, "Look, I would love to work for your organization, but I'm afraid that if I can't make at least 17K a year, I'll have to look elsewhere." Let them know that your budget and living expenses don't allow for you to take any less. I did this just the other day, and I got the extra 2,000 dollars I was asking for. If these guys don't listen to what you have to say and offer you more, you might be better off looking for a job that will pay you what you need.

Answer 6

If you can't afford to live on it, you can't accept the offer.

Simply tell them that you are very interested in the job, but that the salary is not within your range of consideration. Since they have already mentioned salary, it is safe for you to tell them within what range you can accept their offer. This is necessary, since you need to know whether to move on, and they need to know whether they should cross you off their list. The quicker and easier the decision is made, the better for everyone.