Written job offer different

RainbowBritee · 2025-07-21T08:03:48+00:00

I’ve had a written job offer. We talked about the role through networking for months, last minute interview then over a week to get a written offer. we’d discussed pay grade etc. The written offer is a few pay scale points lower than verbally agreed, the job title is lower and generalised when compared to the actual position and it’s for one year only (nothing said to make me believe it wasn’t permanent). current job is fine I’m not sure I even want to approach this tbh, to negotiate. Is this remotely normal nowadays?

AlphaApple · 21/07/2025 09:05

Sounds unattractive. Write back politely declining with the points you've made, they will either improve their offer or move on.

TooManyCupsAndMugs · 21/07/2025 09:06

I'd just get in touch, say offer is different to what was discussed and that you won't be taking the job. They'll either revise the offer or shrug and let you go. I wouldn't move jobs in those circumstances either.

Original poster

RainbowBritee · 21/07/2025 09:17

I’d already dropped down pay vs responsibility because I liked the company. They knew and had got me down, it’s down more from that. Plus a bit of extra responsibility which really should be higher paid.

As it was on the basis I liked them… I’m leaning towards an outright no

OP posts:

Hillrunning · 21/07/2025 09:21

Absolutely no, but make sure you are clear woth them on why. I had a role drop from full time to 4 days a week when the written offer came in. No accompanying info highlighting it either! I was really clear with them why I'd not be accepting that offer. They countered woth 4 days but a bit more money, apologised and explained their reasons. I countered back woth 4 days but condensed over three. We got there in the end but it's important to make sure you are clear in such situations.

inkognitha · 21/07/2025 09:22

RainbowBritee · 21/07/2025 09:17

I’d already dropped down pay vs responsibility because I liked the company. They knew and had got me down, it’s down more from that. Plus a bit of extra responsibility which really should be higher paid.

As it was on the basis I liked them… I’m leaning towards an outright no

Never drop your pay!!!

Put some value on yourself, companies can always make it happen when they want to

ToddlerSleep · 21/07/2025 09:29

I suggest walking away as even if they resolved it, I’m not sure you could trust them in the future.

Original poster

RainbowBritee · 21/07/2025 11:11

ToddlerSleep · 21/07/2025 09:29

I suggest walking away as even if they resolved it, I’m not sure you could trust them in the future.

This is my gut feeling. Small team, close relationships and no reason really to try to drop more

OP posts:

CatRescueNeeded · 21/07/2025 11:15

Massive red flag in how they treat their staff. Were they hoping you just didn’t notice (in which case I would question their intelligence) or were they hoping you would just put up and shut up (in which case it’s a big indication of how you will be treated in future). Definitely just walk away

I’m feeling angry on your behalf!

isitme111 · 21/07/2025 11:34

I'd decline if it wasn't what was agreed it all seems massively underhand are you sure there hasn't been some kind of mistake. It might be worth going back and saying I was expecting XYZ and see what they come back with before you make a final decision.

Original poster

RainbowBritee · 21/07/2025 14:00

Forgot to say- I was so surprised I emailed to confirm the details were correct, that’s confirmed. An explanation was given for fixed term- that hadn’t been shared

OP posts:

HeretoHelp2 · 21/07/2025 17:51

formally decline as they will then ask why

happinessischocolate · 21/07/2025 17:56

That’s a shame especially as you say it’s taken so long to get this far, and you liked the company.

id just reply no thanks and wouldn’t even change my mind if they reverted back to original offer

MrsPositivity1 · 21/07/2025 18:19

That isn’t a great sign from them

Original poster

RainbowBritee · 22/07/2025 19:23

Well- after being really slow on contact they rang within 15 min of me declining the offer.
They immediately offered the original terms without explanation, which annoyed me more. Is understand more if I was told something like ‘budgets have changed/ there’s now a HR hiring cap on…’. I had confirmed previously the written offer and they had casually stuck by it.
Currently job have been lovely, lots of emails to say glad you are staying etc and a new project offered within half an hour that’s great. Really gone out their way to make me feel welcome and not rejected or silly on this situation. It’s only slightly less money than the new job- and on reflection maybe that’s worth it.

OP posts:

HeretoHelp2 · 22/07/2025 19:34

RainbowBritee · 22/07/2025 19:23

Well- after being really slow on contact they rang within 15 min of me declining the offer.
They immediately offered the original terms without explanation, which annoyed me more. Is understand more if I was told something like ‘budgets have changed/ there’s now a HR hiring cap on…’. I had confirmed previously the written offer and they had casually stuck by it.
Currently job have been lovely, lots of emails to say glad you are staying etc and a new project offered within half an hour that’s great. Really gone out their way to make me feel welcome and not rejected or silly on this situation. It’s only slightly less money than the new job- and on reflection maybe that’s worth it.

Well done, I’m glad it worked out

ToddlerSleep · 22/07/2025 19:54

I think you might the right call and they have shown you that they were trying their luck and hoping you would swallow it up. You’ve dodged a bullet.