TeamSugar member polrber182 posted this toughie in my Résumé Remedy group, but it isn't her résumé that's causing employers to refrain from hiring her. Here's her question.
I've been working in marketing for almost 9 years now. I need to find a job closer to my home (gas!!). However, all my résumé responses have been "We only pay XX, sorry." For some reason they all assume I will not take a pay cut. How do I indicate that money is not the object, the job is!
To see my answer just read more.
Have you tried to respond to the employers who have told you they're not interested because of compensation issues? They're assuming that you don't want a pay cut, but how will they know they're wrong if you don't speak up?
It isn't clear if you're applying for jobs that require much less experience than you have or if pay is simply the issue, so I'm assuming that you're applying for any job in your field that is close to your home. When employers see an overqualified candidate, their logic is you'll become resentful of a job that isn't challenging, you'll find something more suitable for you, and the expense they put into training you will be wasted. In their eyes, you're trying to use them as an interim paycheck until something better comes along.
I've had mixed experiences with recruiters, but your situation may be more successful if you brought one into your job search. Recruiters deal with everything salary related so that you don't have to, and will go back and forth with a potential employer to make a deal. They know what certain positions are offering when that information wouldn't necessarily be available to you. Your recruiter can at least get you in the door and communicate with companies' hiring managers and can imply that your salary demands are negotiable.
If you choose to forgo the recruiter route, don't volunteer any salary information unless it's specifically asked that you disclose those details. I hate to suggest that you low-ball yourself when naming salary requirements, because you may be denying yourself the possibility of a higher salary. If you're truly desperate, do what you need to do, but you may be hurting yourself in the long run if you volunteer outright that you'll accept a significant pay cut. When you do get an interview for a position that pays less, make it clear how beneficial working with their company would be for your lifestyle, and that's not going to change in the near future. Focus on the company and how much you would enjoy working there and try and steer any early mention of salary in that direction.
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I kind of don't understand why one would want a position closer to home to save gas money, but at the same time would be willing to take a significant pay cut. Is there another reason why he/she is looking for another position?
1Hey! Thanks for posting this. Driving 1+ hour in heavy traffic is another reason I'm looking for a job closer to home. I'm working in suburban Chicago while living just over the border in Wisconsin. The time lost with my family is really hurting my morale. My company doesn't offer telecommuting either. In reality, I just want a job near my home that is in the same area. Does this clear anything up?
2Thanks again!
*I mean area of interest (marketing)
3polrber182 --are you near Kenosha or Racine --have you looked in maybe a closer Chicago suburb or with the colleges. I am in Chicago but I use to live in Kenosha and I know what you mean - there were lots of people who would take 3 hour train rides into IL or into WI for jobs.
4I think it makes sense... even if you don't come out ahead on the pay cut after factoring in saving money on closer transportation, you'd still save your time commuting. No amount of pay can buy back all those lost hours commuting.
Why not put that pay is negotiable in your cover letter? I find that people aren't shy about negotiating lower prices with me once I put that out there. But it might not be the best idea to follow what I do 'cause I keep getting lowballed. I'm just willing to put up with it because I'm starting out and can't afford to lose opportunities.
5I second the tip to use a recruiter. I don't know how it is in other cities, but in LA it is the only way to get a job anymore.
6@bellaressa -- I'm in Kenosha.
I haven't been able to find a good recruiter in the Kenosha, Racine or even Millwaukee area.
7I do put information on my current situation in my cover letter. Something tells me they go to the resume first. I just have a sick feeling it's the area I'm in. But I can't go further into the Chicago area, that's defeating the purpose.
Good luck with the search.
8polrber182, have you tried the colleges there: Carthage and UW of Racine. I know its small there and I doubt there are really many choses for a recruiter. Have you tried Mil. Just some ideas. I do wish you luck.
9Get a recruiter. If they are good - they will have a relationship with the actual managers doing the hiring - and not HR, who is probably holding up your resume at the submission stage.
10Great suggestion...
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