Sorry if this doesn’t belong here, but I guess I am seeking advice. I recently had a GM from a company reach out to me to recruit me.
We had a great conversation on the phone and talked for about an hour about the job and industry related things. At the end of the phone call he said he would love to hire me, but we still had to talk compensation. He told me to take a few days to think about it and we would reconvene.
Several days later we talk on the phone and I give him a number for me to go work for his company, keep in mind he came to me. When I told him my desired salary he laughs at me and asks if I am talking about Monopoly money. Keep in mind for this job I would have to relocate, and I don’t mind my current job, so I asked for a 20% increase. I was told that was not possible and that I was asking for a ridiculous amount. I then proceeded to ask about other benefits, which were way less than what I am already receiving. He then proceeded to tell me the pay would be the same I am already receiving, if I am lucky.
My industry is very niche and they don’t recruit very well so they need people badly. Need some help on how to respond.