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[4evercurious]

Hi everyone,

This is my first time actually posting a question to forum members. I recently interviewed for several post-docs and happily had a few offers. I selected my top choice (federal/government postdoc) primarily based on location, benefits, and potential for mentoring and career impact. One month later, I happily received the contract in the mail.

Unfortunately, the contract contains a salary that is several thousand dollars lower than the advertised rate. No one seemed to be aware that their advertisement stated a higher figure until I pointed it out. I'm supposed to receive follow-up on the issue soon.

Any advice on how to handle this situation if they decide to go with the contract offer and not the advertised salary? I was very happy with my decision until I received the contract. My only issue with the contract concerns the salary, not any of the duties and responsibilities. However, now I can't help but worry that this "discrepancy" might be indicative of deeper issues.

Thanks in advance.

[cranefly]

Is the salary difference a deal-breaker for you?
I highly doubt it's indicative of deeper issues, more likely everyone is too busy and the HR people are less competent than what you expect.

Some ideas you might consider if they come back and say they can't change it (which they should, and I think it is probably illegal to advertise at one price then come back with another, unless the advertised price said "range" or "up to", etc.):
--tell them you need the extra money and ask if there is a way to earn it (teach a course, etc.)
--suck it up and realize that for a year (or is it longer?) a few thousand is worth forgetting about for the sake of your long-term goals (sounds like it's a good place to be otherwise)
--tell them you have another offer. If they really want you, they'll find the money.

[larryc]

Sounds like a run-of-the-mill screwup. I suspect that you will get a new contract with the advertised amount. But just in case, you do need to think about whether you would accept the job for the amount on your first contract, in case it comes to that.

[4evercurious]

Thanks cranefly and larryc. At this point, I know that I'll benefit from at least a year in this postdoc. It's just that the salary difference (over 15%) means quite a bit more belt tightening than I anticipated. Luckily, I don't have human children, just pets; however, Sallie Mae is going to be a bear (vulture?).

I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope that they come through on the salary.

[lassboni]

Thanks cranefly and larryc. At this point, I know that I'll benefit from at least a year in this postdoc. It's just that the salary difference (over 15%) means quite a bit more belt tightening than I anticipated. Luckily, I don't have human children, just pets; however, Sallie Mae is going to be a bear (vulture?).

I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope that they come through on the salary.

The percentage you've posted is fairly steep a dropoff, and four-legged domestics can pack a wallop at the Petland checkout counter. Shuffle and deal.

[boggy]

I just had this happen to me concerning a director position.  Inital discussions with HR led them to reveal their 'ballpark' figure, which was confirmed by several top people during the on campus interview.  When the offer came it was about $15,000 less.  subsequent negotiations only brought the final figure to just above the ballpark figure, and I accepted.  So either they made a mistake, or it is a very shrewd bargaining chip on their part.

[4evercurious]

Thanks again to forum members who weighed in on this topic.

It's official. The contract letter's salary was accurate. While I am disappointed, they eased some of the pain by adding a research stipend equivalent to the difference between the advertised and contract salaries to my new contract. IMHO, that's a pretty good perk. Also, it appears that my new mentor's grant may contain travel and pilot project funds that I can tap.

Wish me luck!

[larryc]

Luck!

[dfquinn355]

B4everemployed, "4evercurious!"