How do I respond to resume rejection because of high salary expectations

April 22, 2013 4:24 PM

I sent my resume for a job that I am very qualified for but just received a message that my expectations are above the scope. They did not provide a range, just a requirement to include expected salary in the cover letter. I stated my salary and said that it is negotiable. I have plenty of wiggle room, I am in a new market that is a bit lower than others I've been in (I did lower it from past compensation, but not enough apparently). What can I say to convey I still want to be considered & am willing to take up to $15k less without sounding desperate? I am worth every penny that I asked for, and that is not just my opinion. I am very very good at what I do but again, I realize it is a new, different market so I am ok with lower...
posted by Snackpants to Work & Money (8 answers total)

I would reply with "I am willing to consider counteroffers" and let them give you a number. I can't think of another way to do it that doesn't guarantee you're going to get paid the least possible amount you'd accept.
posted by restless_nomad at 4:29 PM on April 22, 2013 [4 favorites]

Best answer: They know the salary is negotiable. It always is. This is why I never, ever provide that info up front. If they think you are out of scope I suspect the difference is a lot more than $15K anyway. You can follow restless_nomad's advice, but I suspect the pay for the job is laughable by your standards, and they know that, which is why they don't even want to interview. I just started a new job last month and some of people that tried to recruit me had delusions about what I would accept. They are probably saving you some time and hassle by not pursuing you.
posted by COD at 4:38 PM on April 22, 2013 [2 favorites]

If they outright rejected your "offer", then view it as a blessing. The environment probably won't be healthy, regardless of whether you take less money or convince them to pay more.

But yes, an invitation for them to make a counter offer can't hurt. You could explain that you understand that it's a different area and marketplace, and that if they can't pay as much as you hoped, you might be willing to discuss other options. Extra vacation or a 4 day work week. Etc.
posted by gjc at 5:16 PM on April 22, 2013 [1 favorite]

I actually agree with gjc, they did you a favor. If they completely rejected you then your listed amount was probably about twice what they were willing to pay. Move on.
posted by radioamy at 5:20 PM on April 22, 2013 [3 favorites]

I see this fairly often and it's not always a reflection what they think you are worth, but what the company is able or willing to pay. You should find out, if possible, whether your salary expectations are out of line with the market, though.

At the most I would say that you understand that it's a new and different market and reiterate that you could be flexible for the right position, but I wouldn't hold my breath expecting them to give you a number.
posted by sm1tten at 5:39 PM on April 22, 2013

Response by poster: You've all given me food for thought. After brewing on it here for a bit, it probably is a blessing. If they go any lower than $15k below my $ then they aren't going to be getting a whole lot of talent and it is laughable.

I wrote a very nice letter, inserted a little line that I was looking forward to exploring the possibility that ABC Company and I (in the capacity of the best Widget Counter in the history of the company) may be a beneficial compliment to one another. Then said if negotiation becomes a possibility they are free to call. Otherwise, good luck to everyone and all that loveliness.

Heck, if they think that was dumb, so be it. But someone may find it interesting and compelling.

Thanks for all your thoughts! Every single one of you helped immensely!
posted by Snackpants at 6:04 PM on April 22, 2013 [1 favorite]

Nthig others; they know it's negotiable, if they rejected you out of hand then you were way, way outside their ball park. 15k is not way outside.

By all means reach out and see what they were expecting for the role - no harm in trying to find out if you're in touch with going rates - but in the awareness that the market expectation may be wrong from their end, not yours. J

ust last week I saw a great JD advertised on a site; it was well-written, compelling, clear. It was also clear they were looking for someone with at least 8 years hard, good experience in that field. They were paying less than a graduate salary in that field.
posted by smoke at 7:32 PM on April 22, 2013 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: Hey, you get what you pay for I always say!
posted by Snackpants at 8:34 PM on April 22, 2013