Company backtracked on advertised $120k salary after 4 interviews with candidate —so he ensured they regretted it

Promising to pay candidates within or above the industry salary range will attract good talent to the job vacancy. However, breaking the promise and lowballing candidates after the interview counts as abject betrayal. When a Reddit user was offered a promising salary range before the interview, they were elated to go through the interview process, hoping to crack the job. However, things went wrong when the company decided to change its offer. Sharing the story on November 27, u/Ill-Refrigerator9653's decision left the company feeling deeply regretful.

u/Ill-Refrigerator9653 had come across a job posting that offered a salary range between $120,000-$180,000 and decided to go through the entire interview process. However, in the final round of the interview, the company decided to flip the table. "I went through the entire process assuming I'd get something in that range based on my experience. After the final round, they offered me $95K." Confused by the low salary offer, the candidate inquired about why the initially promised offer had been reduced. However, the recruiter replied, "Oh, that range is for candidates with the absolute maximum qualifications. You're a strong candidate, but not quite at that level yet." 

Feeling betrayed and disappointed at being baited, the candidate wrote, "If I'm not qualified for even the low end of your posted range, why did you interview me? This felt like a classic bait-and-switch. They post an attractive range to get candidates in the door, then lowball everyone." In an attempt to secure the job, the candidate countered with an offer of $120,000. However, they turned down the offer, stating that it was "not possible" and that the candidate must "consider the growth opportunity." Disheartened by the response, the author walked away. In a 2024 report, DecisionMakersHub noted that offering candidates salaries far below their expectations shows disrespect and makes them feel undervalued, which destroys initial excitement about the role and damages trust. The report highlights the importance of giving a fair and competitive salary, which in turn strengthens trust, speeds hiring, and helps build a strong and attractive employer reputation.

Following the post going viral, many online users sided with the author for making the right choice. u/stay-hard27 wrote, "'Not quite at that level yet' but good enough to go through 4 rounds of interviews apparently. They knew your experience level from the résumé, this is 100% intentional bait and switch." u/Imaginary_Wind81 shared, "This is why salary transparancy laws dont work unless theres actual enforcement. companies just post whatever range gets clicks then offer whatever they want anyway smh." u/quetzalcoatl528 commented, "Nah, 180k is for candidates with the absolute maximum. 120k is for 'growth opportunities'. Otherwise the range means nothing."

More on Scoop Upworthy

Woman accidentally CC'd in company email about 'lowballing' her salary offer responds in an epic way

Woman stands up for herself and refuses new job after she was baited to accept lower offer

Underpaid employee quits their job and it backfires on company spectacularly