Job candidate stands up to company after they offer him $80k salary instead of the $90k they posted in job listing, gets told to back down: ‘This is your first job right out of college'

Author image for Bar Mor Hazut
Bar Mor Hazut • Senior Editor
Apr 25, 2025 1:00 PM EDT

The struggle of finding a job that perfectly matches your expectations is something everybody experiences, regardless of the stage of their careers. But for those looking for their first real job, usually straight after college, that struggle is greatly amplified.

When looking for your first real job, not only do you need the money, but you desperately need the experience. It's the egg or the chicken situation that everybody knows (and hates). You must get a job to have experience, but you must have experience to get a job.

That is why most people recommend that if you do manage to be accepted to your first job, in the field that you want, don't hesitate to settle for stuff like the salary. Get that job, accumulate experience, then get comfortable with the notion of negotiating the terms in your next job search.

That is the general advice that was given to the person who wrote the story below.

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  • Going through an excruciating hiring process only to find out the salary that you are offered is lower than you expected is disappointing. But sometimes it is worth it. Which is what the lesson of the story below might be.

    Keep scrolling to read the full tale.

  • 01
    "Don't let companies push you around"
    via vchal

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • 02

    "I just did seven interviews with a company that was offering 90k salary. They sent an offer letter with 80k salary."

    I'm curious if it's worth fighting this. This is my first job right out of college and honestly it's still $35,000 more than most other positions starting. I actually
    via efsa95
  • 03
    really want this job, I like the people in it, The benefits are great, PTO and it's hybrid two. in office three at home.
    via efsa95
  • 04
    I'm just a little worried that this is a sign of how they function. Update: Something I failed to mention is that I have a
    via efsa95
  • 05
    connect at the company which is how I got the interview in the first place. About an hour ago I talked on the phone with my
    via efsa95
  • 06
    connect. The main reason I got this job is because I knew this person, he said I nailed the interviews but I do know that without him I would not have gotten the opportunity.
    via efsa95
  • 07
    He said I'm very lucky I knew him because me even just inquiring apparently had set off the ego of the recruiter and that if I didn't know him they probably would have
    via efsa95
  • 08
    rescinded the offer. Thankfully he advocated for me and they didn't, I literally accepted it an hour ago.
    via efsa95
  • 09
    I now officially make 80k a year, obviously more would have been nice but regardless this is a huge win for me and I'm very happy.
    via efsa95
  • 10
    One thing I don't like about. this experience is I think I actually did the right thing inquiring. Don't let companies push you around but I guess also know where you stand(unfortunately).
    via efsa95
  • 11
    The job markets tough right now and I got lucky, I definitely worked hard and I do deserve this position but I definitely got lucky. Anyone
    via efsa95
  • 12
    who's trying to get work right now I wish you all the luck! Thank you all for your advice and to all the haters: sw you I got the job.
    via efsa95
  • 13
    JOB OFFER LETTER RE: LETTER OF OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT Door
    via Andrey Bukreev

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • 14
    flerchin Fight is the wrong word. Negotiate is what you're going to do. They made an offer. You can counter.
    via flerchin
  • 15
    JCandle Just remember as part of the negotiation process they can say "thanks but we are going a different direction."
    via JCandle
  • 16
    YippieKayYayMrFalcon Did they only post 90k or did they have a range? You can negotiate if you want, but you may have a tough time with it being your first job. The
    via YippieKayYayMrFalcon
  • 17
    negotiation needs to be more than just "I want 90k". Usually you base it off other similar roles at similar companies in similar areas along with your
    via YippieKayYayMrFalcon
  • 18
    experience you bring to the role. But since this seems to be more than what other roles are offering, it may be best to accept 80k.
    via YippieKayYayMrFalcon
  • 19
    Signal-Confusion-976 That 90k salary might be based on experience. Which you are right out of college and have none.
    via Signal-Confusion-976
  • 20
    HeightPhysical785 As it is your first job, better to just accept it. We don't know how they will react if you were to negotiate without experience.
    via HeightPhysical785
  • 21
    Voluntary_Perry Bro. 80k out of college with no real life experience is a gift horse. Never look a gift horse in the mouth....
    via Voluntary_Perry
  • 22
    Adhesiveness New69 As someone who is just graduating, getting experience is the most important thing and salary second. You hit the jackpot with the salary though as well. So take it and the build from there.
    via AdhesivenessNew69
  • 23
    saltrifle 7 interviews is crazy work
    via saltrifle
  • 24
    Crystalraf I would not worry too much. as you stated, it's your first job out of college. The job might have a pay range. You are green, not much experience, the 90k was for more experienced candidates.
    via Crystalraf
  • 25
    Also, you can try to negotiate, but the way the economy is these days, I wouldn't push it. There might be a raise in a few months after fiscal year end.
    via Crystalraf

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