Hi all,

I'm a longtime CGR user, but decided to post anonymously just because things on the internet have a way of getting around, and I wouldn't want to accidentally say anything that might cost me a job or anything like that. For that same reason, I'm probably going to be a little vague - if you want more info, feel free to comment and I"ll shoot you a PM with more information.

I recently graduated, and am in the process of job hunting. The first "bite" I got on any of my applications was a phone interview, and then a regular interview, for a job in another state. Afterwards, I spoke with the hiring manager who gave me reason to believe I would get an offer soon (in the next week or so) as I was the top candidate for this job. This job is related to what I do, has some interesting career potential, and seemed like a good group of people. I also like the area this job is in, and my boyfriend of a year also greatly likes this area. It would also give me a chance to get some technical skills that could enhance my resume.

The big downside is I found out, afterwards, that this job pays much, much less than a) what I feel I am worth with my degree, and b) what others in my cohort are making in their first jobs. I'm taking about $10,000/year less. It would pay enough to get by in this city, but probably not enough to live in any kind of luxury. It does, however, offer about $2,000-$3,000 in industry specific perks for myself and my family that are pretty cool.

My Dad thinks I should hold out for a job that pays better. My mom thinks I should take the job for the experience. My boyfriend says I should take it, my classmates say turn it down. I'm so conflicted because I did like the job and the company, but I'm not sure if I was enough in love with it to take a $10,000 pay cut from what I could possibly be earning. But then again, the key word is "possibly" - as of now, I have a lot of applications out there, but no concrete other offers.

Again, this is a little hypothetical as I haven't "officially" got an offer, but it seems like a very likely thing at this point.

Any advice?

[bobthecockroach]

Ask for what you think you're worth. You don't know whether you can get it or not until you ask. Some degree of salary negotiation is probably expected.

[Napoleon17]

I have applied to a ton of jobs recently, as I'm about to graduate. I only got 3 real, solid leads. Going into the job search I had what I thought were reasonable expectations about the level of response I would get. It was ridiculous, though. The job search was becoming a full-time job in and of itself. I spent a ton of time searching for jobs, applying for jobs, going to job fairs, improving my resume and cover letter, contacting references, etc. And for all that I got 3 leads. And even once I got the 3 leads, I thought I had reasonable expectations about the quality of what they were offering, and my chances of "getting" the job. Turns out that 1 of the leads turned out to be a part time retail associate job - they offered me $7.25/hr. Normally I would not have even considered it, but I honestly thought about it because I was getting worried that I would never get a job. Another job paid a little better, but was still part time, and I didn't get it, despite a really good interview. The 3rd job I'm currently waiting for an official word back but I am pretty sure I got it (I got a conditional offer and have met all the conditions). Even this job is less pay than I would want per year but at this point I am actually stoked about possibly getting it because it is full-time and in the industry I want to be in. All this to say, if I were you I would absolutely take it if it is offered. Don't be afraid to ask for more money, but even after you get hired you can always perform well and ask for a raise later if you don't get more money right away, I would think.

[darfaz]

I'd find out two things before I made a decision. FIrst, I would determine the opportunities for promotion. It doesn't really matter what your starting salary is if you get a serious promotion in 6 months or a year. Some companies pay much higher after an employee has been there for even a short time. Second, I would determine the reputation of the company. If it is an elite and recognized company, working there for even a short time can help you land a much better job in the near future.

[MtlMom]

Do you want the job? What is your "gut" telling you? My sense is that you want the job but others are causing you to doubt.

Also, from Mrs. M's Life Changing Decision Making Manual: Pray for obstacles! If money is the only obstacle, think about what God might be challenging you with.

One last thing:
You are young. Take risks.

Thanks, all

@Bobthecockroach, I did that, to a degree, on Wednesday when I spoke to the hiring manager. I told her that the range of salaries I was looking at was higher (and gave it) but then said I would consider an offer at the level she mentioned. So who knows? It's possible that they will offer the job to someone who is prepared to accept on the spot, but they did seem to like me a great deal

@Napoleon17 it's wild, isn't it? I also feel like my days are consumed with reading job hunting advice columns, searching websites, and endlessly editing resumes and cover letters. I've only been at this two weeks and it already feels like forever. I guess that's the hard part. I'm afraid to turn down a good offer in favor of something better, when something better might not come along.

@Mrs M, That's some great advice, thanks Truthfully, I am very conflicted. I wrote out a list of positives/negatives and it came out about even. I want the job because I liked the company, the perks that go with it, the location, and the work I would be doing in perhaps 2 years. I am hesitant to take it because of the low pay, the fact that everyone described the work I'd be doing initially as boring, and the fact that I wouldn't be utilizing my degree as much as I could (at least initially).

I applied to some other jobs that are maybe in less desirable parts of the country, but are more interesting work with better pay. But haven't heard anything back yet, so it's really hard to say.

I will definitely pray for obstacles if this isn't meant to be, and for peace of mind if it is

Thanks everyone!
~n