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Should I Interview for a Low-Paying Job?

June 28, 2011 RSS Feed Print

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Tim Tyrell-Smith

In a crowded job market, companies can be picky. They can also offer low salaries to candidates, saving money in the short term.

But since many job seekers are simply looking to solve the out-of-work problem, any offer would be a solution, right?

Depending on your financial situation, accepting an offer that pays less than you want might be the right decision. But more often I advise job seekers not to settle on the wrong job or job offer. If you’re facing this situation or think you might face it down the road, check out this question I received a few weeks ago:

[See It's Time for a Job Seekers' Bill of Rights.]

"I'm currently interviewing for a position. The company is stable, the benefits package is good and the title is in line with what I was hoping for. The problem? The pay is considerably less than what I'd hoped for (and less than average for the role) and they've indicated that they're not going to increase the offer for anyone.

Assuming I rock the follow-up interviews and get this gig, is it unethical to, say in a month or so, tell them I've been offered something with a higher salary, in the hopes that I force their hand?"

Here’s how I answered the question:

In my view, you have four options to consider.

Option 1: Tell them the offer is too low and you won't be continuing with the process

This would be a quick test of their vow not to raise it. If they really like your background, they might back off a bit here so they can get you in for an in-person interview. Or they might stick to their promise and hire someone who is willing to settle. This is a good option if you like the job but would never work for the stated salary.

[See Why Loving Your Work Matters.]

Option 2: Continue with the process for experience

Interviews, even for a job you are unsure about, can bring value. You get more experience interviewing, asking probing questions, and trying out new interview stories. You may prove to be valuable and convince them to re-evaluate the salary range, or they may offer the lower salary and you can decide to turn it down.

Option 3: Interview with the goal of getting an offer

Jump in with both feet with a goal of getting the offer. Take it if you love it and prove your value over time. During negotiations, you can request salary evaluations every six months (instead of once per year) to speed up your salary growth. If they say no, then you have a decision in front of you.

[See 10 Tips for Negotiating a Raise.]

Option 4: Suck it up and get back to work

You’ve been looking for too long and are simply tired of looking. You want to be back working again. Money has become a real problem. If this describes you then continue in the process, get an offer and move on in life.

So, which option is right for you?

Depending on your financial situation and confidence level, any one of these might be the right answer. Unless the salary range is really bad, I would consider at least a first round interview (options 2 or 3). Whether you go in with the goal of getting interview experience or a job offer, you are keeping this option open. And you can’t decide without an offer anyway, right?

Oh, and don’t invent a higher offer from another company after you get hired. The grapevine is too active and it will likely backfire. If you really get a better offer and decide to leave, just leave. But don’t use it to “force their hand.” Use your qualifications to do that.

Tim Tyrell-Smith is founder of Tim's Strategy, a site that helps professionals succeed in job search, career and life strategy. Follow Tim on Twitter, @TimsStrategy, and learn about his two popular job-search books.

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Good article. It's so refreshing to not have to click through a slide show to read it too!

eliewriter of MI 2:41PM September 18, 2012

I did exactly what is being mentioned. I took the same decision and changed my career from Sales to Administaration for a paltry sum. Just because to stay afloat. I am worried how can I get back to the same level a few months down the road when I am reaching 48. Can somebody guide me.

Javed 2:44AM July 19, 2012

Many years ago, I accepted an employment offer which was $3,000 a year less than what I earned in the same position for a former employer. The going market value rate which other companies were paying for the same skill level was definitely $3,000 a year higher than this job offer. I knew the employer which gave me the job offer had a reputation for being extremely cheap and always under paying their staff. I had been out of work for two months, was close to being unable to pay my rent - so I accepted a job offer I knew was far below market value rate what other employers were paying for this job skill. I didn't want to wind up being unable to buy food or pay rent, so I took a huge pay cut and accept the low paying job just to stay afloat with a roof over my head.
I stayed with this job for 3 years and STILL wound up earning less than what all other employers were paying in my area. After 3 years on this job, even with the dinky raises they gave me, I was still severely underpaid. When I got fed up and realized, I'd never be adequately paid, I started going on interviews for a new job. Although I explained on interviews, I accepted a huge pay cut because I had a rock solid work ethic and wanted to stay productive - it was VERY difficult overcoming potential new employers belief that somehow I wasn't "good enough" if I was being paid such a low amount of money. Trying to explain to new, potential employers that my current employment had an official policy of refusing to pay the "going rate" for their industry didn't help....you are NEVER EVER supposed to say anything critical or negative against your current boss, right?
I wound up spinning my wheels for 3 years in that dead end job. Eventually, I got a lucky break through networking and was offered a job at what I had previously been earning at my older job from 4 years previously. Technically, accepting that severely underpaid job kept me from being destitute with no place to live - but it meant spinning my wheels for 3 years in a dead end job.
I think unless you are TOTALLY desperate and stone broke - don't accept a huge salary cut - because even if the employer gives decent raises, it could take a couple of years just to get back to the wage you had been earning previously.
In a bad economy with high unemployment, job seekers can't be too picky. I definitely do not advise anyone to turn down a job if you've been out of work a long time and not much money left in savings. There are some people who WILL accept a job they know is a dead end, very underpaid just to survive until they find something else which pays better and has a future. You can do this a few times - but don't be a "job hopper" flitting about from one employer to the next. Employers want to see you have longevity and a stable work history.
Sometimes I have accepted a very slightly lower salary because the hours, working conditions, location from my house had very short commute, benefits were good.

Helen Highwater of CA 1:40AM April 20, 2012