I interviewed for a state position recently because of the decent work life balance of the job. Mind you, when I applied I was 2 months from graduating with a Masters degree which would have increased my pay right off the bat because instead of a “trainee,” I could move straight into the position with no trainee title.
The starting rate was $15.30 or so an hour. Almost $2/hr less than what I was currently making at a fast food joint. I was upfront in the interview when they asked “What is the lowest hourly pay you will accept for this position?” (I saw the red flag but decided it was orange instead, ig) I told them $20. Which was in the middle of the listed “salary range,” since I have a couple years of relevant experience and I know I’m worth that, and even more.
I get a call from the big boss a few days later, stating that I got the job and (for the first time) telling me what the pay is. I think I was pretty obviously shocked at how insanely low the offer was, and big boss was quick to state that there was a 5% pay increase at the beginning of the following month so I would quickly be getting a raise that, to me, softened the blow of the pay cut. I said okay, with that pay raise I think this is an offer I can accept (I just wanted an “in” to the world of office work again, and no overtime).
The following day I receive the paperwork to sign with all the details so I can get hired and get in there. Then, nothing. For about 3 weeks, nothing. I knew by then what was happening.
1st of the month rolls around and they send me the same paperwork I already signed and returned to them, stating the same $15.30 pay rate. I email them back and mention that big boss told me I’d be getting a 5% pay raise that month, and asked if they intended to honor that promise. They hit me with “I spoke with [big boss] and he said that since you weren’t on payroll on the first of this month, you aren’t eligible for the 5% increase and will not be eligible now until you meet all of the usual pay increase requirements.” Well now, whose fault was that? I interviewed weeks ago and turned in my stuff within 24 hours of being requested. I basically politely told them they wasted my time and I’m no longer interested since the pay is pittance and was undesirable even with the raise.
They really thought they would just drag me along and then stiff me that extra 5% after I was upfront with them from the jump. Now I make almost $19 an hour and probably get better perks with my job than most other office environments. Most worthwhile “no” ever.
TLDR; Employer enticed my employment by mentioning a company wide raise that would take effect shortly after employment but then purposefully dragged their feet until the raise expired before trying to hire me. They still expected me to work for them (and sign the same hiring paperwork a second time after the raise came and went) and I basically told them they wasted my time and no thanks because you’re not paying a livable wage anyways. A couple months later and now I’m at the best place I’ve ever worked so far.