Multiple rounds of interviews went amazing. The recruiter informed me I’ve been a top runner candidate however I got a call at the tail end of business day yesterday saying they were concerned with an answer I gave in the final interview about expecting pay to be commensurate with the role. They were worried about my work life balance expectations.So I added context to my answer in an attempt to secure a formal offer. If they come back with an offer today, I’m hesitant now to negotiate. WWYD?
It’s probably just bc you brought it up in an interview rather than waiting for an offer to negotiate. That would be give entitled vibes and squeaky wheel vibes as a hiring manager bc I don’t want to have to deal w someone that’s going to be a quick draw about discussing something that has already been communicated pretty well. Not against communication at ALL but… if you knew it was already competitive pay, which is sounds like it is, why did you feel the need to just be like ok btw I know you haven’t chosen me yet but… yall better pay well. And they’re like YAH… we have already discussed this … if what we’ve talked about isn’t good enough and that’s what you’re eluding tooooo thennnnn…. U might not be a good fit… is what I think they’re kinda saying lol.
But yah… just my take. I like transparency but also as a candidate once it’s been established what they’re offering is within your acceptable range I tend to err on the side if just selling myself and waiting for an offer to negotiate.
Sounds like the interviewer wanted assurance that you would put work first and not expect compensation for it.
Red Flag!
It means they're going to talk you down on the compensation ladder. And like I always say, "know your worth"! If you cave, they'll own you.
Thank you ! I too think it was redirection for something better to come
Run even with no pants
😆😆😆
Sounds like they’re testing how firm you are about balance,that’s a red flag. If they’re hesitant because you asked for fair pay, that speaks volumes. If you do get an offer, don’t underplay your value. Stay clear on what works for you and be ready to walk.
You said it was for an EA position, right? Your pay should be based on your skillset. Not all EAs are created equal. It also depends on where you are located and the sector this takes place in. For instance, California and New York regularly pay $150,000/year for their EAs. New Mexico and Arizona, you may be looking at $100,000/year to $120,000/year. Non-profit organizations are not known for paying EAs well... They rely on the generosity of others/government. If it's construction or tech, then the higher amounts are generally a baseline. Your salary should represent what you already know. At $150,000/year, you should be able to pretty much sit down and start with no issues. The only learning curve would be their proprietary systems and learning the preferences of the exec(s) you will be supporting. Also, EAs are largely hourly because of the amount of time we are contacted outside of work hours. If they put you in at salary, I might be suspicious of what their expectations really are. You should try to reach out to current or past EAs with that company through LinkedIn.
Thank you! Their pay is well above average for this area but I will also keep all you have shared in mind. This was very insightful, I have a strong administrative background- some EA positions and some management but all reporting directly to high level executives. If I don’t land this role at a salary I’d like to keep pursuing these roles. So as I do, I’ll be sure to look out for this
Nope....Go with your gut. You know the answer; otherwise, you would not have put this thought process out. I believe your hesitancy is your answer.
Know your WORTH!!
It’s always a race to see who shoots the first number. Hopefully you’ve had a frank discussion with your recruiter about what your expectations are. Let it be their job to frame those expectations for the client. It’s in your best interest so that you’re not wasting time, and the recruiter’s best interest so they can close the sale.
Salaries may fluctuate based on region, size of company unspecific roles. However, there’s usually a range and you should fall somewhere in there based on the above criteria.
If you’re not in a position to say no to this role, you can certainly accept it as is and continue to look. Otherwise, if you’re comfortable losing the role I would negotiate. The worst I can do is say no and move on. The best thing that can happen is you won’t be exploited by a company.
I’ve had companies where I’ve give them the minimum salary and they’ve come back with 5000 or 10,000 above. That speaks volumes.
Do your research. Know your WORTH!
I hope you get the offer and enjoy your job !
Really ?
They are setting you up and playing you so that when the offer comes in then you will take less. You already have the job,
They did go with the second / back up candidate. I think they knew I was going to ask for mid to high range or that I would have higher expectations for work-life balance but I’m not as sad about it as I was
Why would they pass you up just for that comment? If you're the best candidate, that's just stupid on their part. This is a job, not charity work. You do work and create value for the company, they give you money and benefits. It's mind boggling, but yes I know this is how the sloppy swamp of the job market works.
To add, recruiter claims the hirer was considering extending an offer to the other candidate, but she said no final decision had been made. Does this sound more like a negotiation tactic or do you think they really went to a second option based off of one response that is making them hesitant?
Per the comment above I also think they’re playing you for a lower salary. I don’t see a very strong tie between your salary expectations and work life balance unless you told them you want X salary so you can afford a beach house. Which would be pretty ham-headed obviously. I think they’re playing want you but are looking for YOU to negotiate your salary down with yourself. Any response you give I think should try to keep salary out of it. Focus on their issue with work life balance. “It is my personal challenge to find that balance, but my priority has always been and always will be to a consummate professional: to make sure I’m delivering for my company, client and team at the highest level possible no matter what.”
This might or might not be one of those stand for nothing, fall for anything moments. Salaries were inflated during early COVID so expecting the same post might be ambitious. Ditto for work requirements. Full remote is a fantasy that will never happen again for most.
Can you elaborate more ? I’m actually currently remote but this position will be in office. They are looking to pay a high salary considering the role and location. The pay ranges 125-150k and it is an executive assistant position, that may require me to be available outside of your typical 9-5. I just said it was important to me when they make an offer it keeps this in consideration along with my credentials. Basically I don’t want them to lowball me if the role requires such high standards
Mentor
that does sound like a bit of a red flag. I think your response should vary based on how excited you are about the company and opportunity. if very excited, I might not negotiate as much as normal just given this reaction
They probably won’t come back with an offer. I would like to hear how this ends. You went through multiple rounds of interviews, but no one spoke to you about how much you would get paid? Time is money. What are the deliverables worth?
One or two rounds is OK. Multiple rounds is stringing you along, so they saw that you were desperate, and figured you will take anything. You proved that you have some dignity, when you said that you expect to be paid per what the job posting indicated. They also hope that you accept having no life other than the job, and that you will work 24/7, weekends, and maybe most holidays. I would continue the job search, but do no more than two rounds, and you will expect to be paid according to what the job posting said. Time to cut the string and move on.
You jumped the gun and probably blew this opportunity. Ive hired a lot of sales reps and am on 2 to 3 interviews per week. When you have a rep throw money at you in an interview you get the feeling this is going to be a difficult person and you can be certain they have no self awareness. You wait until you have the offer and if you feel it's not right you can absolutely and politely ask for what you need for this to feel right for you. All these people telling you to run away are morons. It's an incredibly difficult job market out there. So many fake job postings and many more recruitment processes that just waste candidates time. If you've learnt anything it's that negotiation happens at negotiation stage. If you're interviewing for a sales rep job I'd never hire because I would know you don't know how to close a deal.
Nailed it here. Exactly this. Negotiation happens at negotiation stage. No offer yet...there's nothing to negotiate. Like walking up to a woman in the bar and asking her to split the cost of dinner before she's even agreed to have dinner with you.
Apparently they are looking for a way to reject you rather than seriously making an offer. If they ultimately reject you, don't be surprised.
Sounds like they want to lowball you.
If you have other offers then negotiate. If you have no other options, do not. There are too many people with looking for work. Get the job, and prove your value.
Sounds to me like you gave a very good answer, especially if they first asked you the salary question, Your answer is actually the expected answer. Answer with a number and you will either weed yourself out by being too high, or lock yourself in too low. If they persist in wanting a number give a range and say depending on the benefits.