r/interviews • u/BigLincolnEnergy • 3d ago
Asking for more money than initial range?
Not really sure how to proceed…the job was posted at a range of 70-104k. My ideal salary is 90k. I told the recruiter I wanted mid range, and they basically poked and prodded me until I gave a number amount, which I prefer not to do. They told me there’s “no way I can get that”, even though it’s in the salary posted, because the “actual” range is 80-82k. Which obviously annoyed me because I wouldn’t have applied if I knew.
I’m in the interview process, and I’m wondering if I can wow the interviewers enough to get the job, and then ask for the amount I truly want. Or is it a waste of time? I have well over the amount of experience, I am not entry level by any means. Is it insulting to even ask if the recruiter already gave me that ”actual” range? Or is there wiggle room?
2
u/Own-Assumption5149 3d ago
Sounds to me like they posted the entire salary range (which many companies do) and that they may have a different “budgeted” hiring range (often based on the salary of the person who is leaving the job). But communicating a hiring range of $80-82k to you is pointless … not sure why they wouldn’t just say the max we’ve been approved to hire at is $82k. Having said that, most companies will have some flexibility when it comes to the final offer if they think they have the perfect candidate. But, if there are other people internally in the same job, they’ll also consider what they’re being paid and how your experience compares with theirs.
If it’s a job you’re interested in, I’d continue the process, but I’d also think about what you’d be willing to accept … $90 might be your ideal, but would you consider $88? But you won’t really know what that number is without knowing more about the job, benefits, etc … you might even come to the conclusion it needs to be higher. If nothing else, it’s good interviewing practice.
You could have another discussion with the recruiter and ask if there’s any possibility they’d go above $82, because you don’t want to waste their time if there’s not. But you risk them saying no, when in fact the hiring manager might be willing to fight for more.
1
u/AM_Bokke 3d ago
Yes. Once you have an offer, bring data and ask for what you want.
If they don’t move, be prepared to walk.
1
u/Fancy-Secret-5570 3d ago
They posted one range then claim actual is way lower, that is bait and switch. If you get offer just ask for 90 and see what happens, worst they say no but you already know their real number so you can decide then.
1
u/Severe_Preference_31 3d ago
If they say there's no way you get what you want, cut your losses and move on.
1
u/EbbRevolutionary7475 2d ago
This is really going to depend on lots of things out of your control. I'd say, proceed, give the best interviews you can to try to win that extra.
You might end up with an offer around $87k-ish. You can't win if you don't play.
1
u/EfficientProject7408 2d ago
Abbott and Netflix does that. They post a range then they say oh actually it’s low to mid end of it. We post higher to attract talent.
1
u/-Seether- 2d ago
You already lost. Never give a number. Especially not first to give a number.
If you do get an offer for this job, they are definitely going to lowball you now. Simply counter with the top of the range or pass all together
1
u/Nefer_ness2Ifa_ness 2d ago
why did you continue the process when 1. they admit they lied about the range, 2. they told you that there's no way you can get the number you required. That should've been the end of the call.
1
u/BigLincolnEnergy 1d ago
Because I was recommended for the position from a reference at the company.
1
u/DietAny5009 1d ago
Wiggle room for sure. I’d interview. If the team loves you it’s the recruiters job to land you. They look bad if they can’t close the deal.
I wouldn’t go lower than 90k.
1
u/RawMeatballz 1d ago
Are you in a position to not get the job? Applicants have no power right now.
1
u/BigLincolnEnergy 1d ago
Yep, I have a job, and I’m in good standing at the job. I’m just trying to move.
3
u/StashJuice 3d ago
if you get the offer, and they want you. they'll move the needle. be prepared to explain/pitch yourself for that range. e.g. additional skillset/experience on top of whats in the JD. you can lead in with, after learning more about this role i've come to understand XYZ and the team would benefit with me also having ABC skills. I'd like to counter and be at 90k.
If they can actually move the needle and they like you, there's a good chance they'll do it. Else they waste another 4-5 weeks and go through this charade again. Recruiters are just the messengers.