Job offering less than they offered in interview- is this acceptable??

[Ubertasha2]

Hi guys,

Had an interview last week for a little part time job to go with my 'real' job. It is a receptionist/admin position and so was pleasantly surprised when £10.50 was offered at the interview stage (this is a basic entry level position and as anyone knows, this is quite a good rate for this type of job).

However, in the offer email the rate has now changed to a random £9.00 per hour which I obviously am not delighted about but uselessly I have said nothing and have cheerfully emailed documents to the company, refererences, health check questionnaires etc etc.

I don't know what to do- I am not a confrontational person and feel I've been a bit daft to not say anything but obviously I don't want to do the same job for less than what was offered during my interview.

What would any of you lot do? Ask about it, and if so, how? Not take the job as the original rate clearly is no longer offer?

Not sure if this is relevant (I kinda think it is when it comes down to the songs) but I would be travelling nearly 2 hours' per day (3 days per week), and petrol and parking or public transport equates to over £25 per week.

Thanks in advance for any sensible suggestions!

I agree you should go with "there seems to be a mistake on the paperwork, I was told the rate of pay was £10.50 per hour but it says £9 on what you sent me".

OP actually doesn't mention childcare costs at all, it's a PP who has assumed that.

I sent my contract back three times for amends. ..it's common for HR departments to get things wrong. Just send a simple e-mail to query.

expat still waiting for you to highlight where the OP has mentioned a) they are female and b) where they were going to mention childcare FFS

Or is it your preconceptions that because it's a part time admin role it therefore must be a woman?

Definitely make the assumption it was a typo!! ... I wouldn't get into a conversation about... Or have you lowered the offer... It could lead the conversation the wrong way...

I would say something like
Thanks for the contract...I will sign by return, however please amend to the correct agreed salary of 10.50 ph.

expat still waiting for you to highlight where the OP has mentioned a) they are female and b) where they were going to mention childcare FFS

Why should expat highlight that?

It was unicorn1981 who floated the idea about childcare and other posters, including expat, who said, no don't do that. The unspoken inference is:

Unicorn: mention childcare (if it applies)

Other posters : don't mention childcare (whether it applies or not)

Your travel costs and tines are irrelevant. Do as others have said and ask for clarification.

Congratulations on getting the job! Good advice here (apart from Edwin who seems to be determined to make this something it's not). Once you know for sure what the hourly rate is you can decide if it suits you. Good luck.

But edwin original advice is the best. The role involves sorting out errors and misunderstandings so dealing with this one in a positive way is the way forward. No guns blazing, just ask for clarification as there has been a mistake in the rate of pay and please could they resolve it back to what originally has been offered.

This shows they have chosen the right person for the job. Demanding it will put their backs up right from the get go.

No one has suggested blazing guns. Just as the role will involve diplomacy, it may also require a degree of assertiveness. In any event whether the OP is male or female is moot if the pay/costs don't make it worthwhile.

I would email them back questioning it. Where I work it be another test!! Are you assertive enough to question it? If so, how did you go about it. If not they know you may be a soft touch on reception and will need more assertiveness training. Also they'll save some money.

A man would.

Bullshit sexism. Some men would. Some women would. Anyone with half a brain would.

"In our interview, we agreed a rate of £10.50 ph. I have amended the contract document to reflect that."

edwinbear - OP is obviously a woman - a man wouldn't even ask this question.

OP, as PP have said simply ask for reconfirmation of the salary offered at interview, as there is a discrepancy in the paperwork. No other information or special pleading.

Where I work this would be a test also.

If they say they have changed their mind on the salary, then I'd ask them which responsibilities they are removing from your job description, ie which difficult bits do you no longer have to do

Hey tash hope you got it all sorted? Good luck in your new job!