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Im not searching for a new job but an acquaintance reached out about a similar role at a similar energy company.Turns out 2 ppl threw my name in the hat. I looked into it and the position was posted 2 weeks ago.Their director wants to meet.I bet pay is one of the first things to be discussed so that no one’s time is wasted.Am I crazy for not wanting to entertain it for less than 20-25% base pay increase?Is it selfish to ask for more? I’m sure most salary conversations end in negotiation anyways?
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If they're offering you the low end of that range, and you've got 20 years of experience, they're just not being serious. It's probably a good idea to forget about them. They don't seem to appreciate what you've got to offer, so you'd be better off looking elsewhere.
If you haven’t, I would ask them “what are the qualifications you’re looking for and where do I come up short for the maximum budget you’re working with? I just want to make sure I didn’t miss something from my experience that would be relevant to share. If they say “we need 30 years experience” then they were jerking your chain. If they dont have a reason, they were baiting with a phony range. Then you need to decide based on their response whether you think they have the correct moral and ethical mettle to create a positive and productive working environment.
I’m turning it back on them. My labor isn’t cheap. Not cheap quality. The more we do this. The more they will think twice about moving onto the next person. These companies are being super tight even with experience.
They can start by applying the pay rate that will reflect every single task bulleted on their loooooong lists of responsibilities and preferred experience, qualifications, and education. Otherwise it’ll be a repeating cycle bending at their will to be gracious at giving us .50c raises while the market rises in a few years. Take care of employees so that employees can appreciate and take care of you back. That’s just my perspective and I’m sure a lot of people would agree with me. Some places already want you experienced, qualified, hard working, loyal, reliable, on time, and willing to pop up with a smile whenever. That’s gonna. Cost. But if you die tomorrow, they replace you most times without recognition. While you’ve sacrificed a lot to be recognized and settle for a couple bucks in a raise in the last 10 years. A lot of companies do this. This is why I say turn it around and tell them what you want and deserve.
It doesn't sound like it. If they're adamant on sticking to that range, you're not going to be able to sway them. I'd just give them a pleasant "thanks but no thanks" to leave the door open in case they come to their senses and realize the role is never going to be filled unless they up their budget for it.
If they say, $23 is their ceiling, then, you need to walk away. You can get a better paying job elsewhere. They are wanting cheap labor.
For example, in 1997, my first IT job, zero IT experience, NONE.. my FIRST contract.. 18.50 pr hr. Now, in 2026, they want to pay you $23 pr hr. Just for comparison, 18.50 pr hr then, is equal to $35 pr hr now.
You will not be happy. If you go back to them, say. In your opinion, the role is very much devalued and for you to consider the role the value per hour is 30 pr hr. You need to be able to OUTLINE WHY you consider that role to be $30 pr hr. Overtime, away from family, paying for transit/or parking, the hours, start and stop time, on call (if any). You need to negotiate like you are taking over the surgical department.
I literally had to research my own position and prove it to my employer in order for her to give me a raise. (We are remote, now so she's out of touch now living in Texas, I'm still back here in Southern California.)
I've been with them 22 years now.
I'm still not at market rate but I'm also looking elsewhere.
(Looking in my field, I've got an MA.)
I already told her that I'm looking (in my field) as I'll be getting paid twice what she is paying me now.
I'm grateful for her patience with me and she's been a support over the years, but she can't pay me market.
Say thank you, and move on. It's too bad, though.
Tell them thank you for considering you but you’d have a hard time justifying a move for less than $x and if they’re looking for someone in the future for $x you’d love to be considered
Yea I don’t know why these companies are holding on to their money like it’s too much we are asking for. I mean geez
So true, especiallybecause I'm referring to Target!,
Try to find job posting thru the actual company..salary offer you're getting thru recruitment is low because they have to get paid too.
Due to pay transparency laws, the entire range has to be posted, and almost no companies pay the top of that range. It bleeds into the next level. At best, expect companies to pay the midpoint of the posted range.
If the posting provides a range and it still hasn't been fulfilled after several months. Seems like they're fishing to see what they could actually pay (lower end)
Having no idea about the company- if I had the guess, I would say it's not doing well and they can't afford a higher salary. Pure speculation.
I have 35+ years driving tractor trailer. In my opinion, if they want your experience they will negotiate with you. If for some reason they are unable to. Thank you for your time and considering me for the position.
Have a great day and move on......
They just changed the wording of the position after I spoke with the recruiter twice
It now says" starting rate 21.50-23.50. Role range 21.50- 36.50."
The role had sat unfilled for nearly 6 months, makes no sense why they won't budget on pay. But at least I got them to change the verbiage.
No, Leave it alone and find something else. If they want the experience they will call you back, Do not try barking up a tree that wont give you what you want. It will be a headache for you.
I think by our best bargaining power is that the job is still posted but sometimes companies forget to remove the job post when the position is filled
How much is the salary can i know how much you will be paying
I would say $30 and I will start on Monday yes or no,
It’s understandable to want compensation that reflects your experience, especially with over 20 years in the field. If the role truly aligns with your skills, you might try highlighting the specific value you can bring—such as leadership, efficiency improvements, or specialized expertise—and explain how that justifies a rate closer to the top of the posted range. However, if the employer is firm after several discussions, it may simply reflect their budget constraints rather than your market value.
Right.
If so would you still take the job if there is potential that this startup can grow in the coming 5 years?
Or just walk away, continue job search and wait for the next opportunity ?
Hi, my first IT job, 1997, paid $18.50 pr hr. I was rolling out, by myself, computers with Windows 95.x. They bought the new computers for the Windows NT licenses that came with it, but the finance software they used was only compatible with Windows 95.x (networking version of Windows 95).
Within the first two days, I went back to the networking team and asked if this stack of floppies can be put on the network and then create a bootable floppy with BATCH file commands to download the OS to the computers.
I went from doing 1 or 2 computers a day to 10 (only so many network jacks).
For clarity.. 18.50 in 1997 is 37.50 today (roughly)
Additionally, roughly for every $4.81 pr hr is 10k