A company is offering me less than I asked for

I really have to point out, again, that today's job market is tough. The OP has stated that she's been out of work, unable to find employment, for the last year.

So to answer you last question, if they're really worth working for. I guess that depends. Does the OP want to eat, have a roof over her head, pay her bills? If not, then maybe they're not worth working for. But right now they're the only deal she has going. How badly does she want to work? That's really the only question she should be asking herself.

You have to be careful how you say this. I would approach it saying, that the salary offer surprised you since you had discussed a range during the interview. So you were expecting a better offer.

Even in todays economy you cant allow yourself to be intimidated by an employer. If you know what your worth then stick with it. At a minimum accept the offer with 90 days for them to step up. If they dont put up then put them behind you. Skilled labor has a worth that can be compared to no other. Dont be bullied by tactics such as less money just so they can line thier pockets. Stand up for yourself.

Cal, I agree entirely. Basically what I stated, only you said if better. I don't think OP should lower her standards for a job that doesn't really promise what she wants. Job hunting nowadays anywhere is stressful, but the market is always open to qualified people.

When was the last time you had to hunt for a job? I very much disagree with the above. I'm not saying the OP should sell herself short, but in this market, people need to to be very sure the job is not for them before turning it down.

I was out of work for 15 months, before I landed my current job, 2 years ago. In my field I am very qualified, but I wasn't even getting a lot of interviews, even though applying for jobs that I was qualified for. We don't know what field, expertise or other issues the OP faces. So I really have a problem with advice like the above.

That's my point exactly.

I don't think you are being quite fair. ScottGem, I was offering my opinion, OP can sift through all of this and make her own decisions.

I have been on the bottom rung of the ladder before and no one ever forgets hard times, I have had my share, but quite happy I have found my nitch and at 70 working way passed retirement because I have to.

I have never forgotten how hard it was at times over the last 50 years job hunting.

Tickle,

That's not the point. I'm very sure you have experience here. But this job market is different from anything since the depression. Unless you have experienced this job market and understand the skills the OP has, I don't think your advice is valid for her.

But yes, let her digest both our opinions and choose what is best for her.

Tickle, I think you're missing our point.

Right now there are people with degrees in medicine working at McDonalds because that's the only job they can get in this market. They have skills, but the jobs simply aren't out there.

The OP has stated that she's been out of work for a year. Obviously she's been looking, but this seems to be the only offer she's had in the year she's been looking.

She could be the top of her field. I'm not debating that. She could be the best of the best at what she does. But there are many people that are the best at what they do working in jobs far beneath their skills, because there aren't jobs out there right now.

I'm not saying that the OP shouldn't ask for more money. I never said that. If she feels she deserves more than she should ask. You can't get if you don't ask. But she has to be realistic. She's not the only person out there looking for a job, and if she pushes too hard she may well lose this opportunity. If that's a risk she's willing to take then she should take it. But this market is not like any other we've ever experienced. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of people standing in line waiting to take this job for the price the company quoted, and they are probably just as qualified as she is.

Alty, I have to disagree. In the OP's words the company felt that she was qualified for the higher position. Its obvious that they too have been searching for the right person and hadnt found one. It is bogus to think that you have to work cheaper then the normal pay scale. Those that are working at McD's are doing so because of a place they have put themselves in. Its not a matter of the market so much as it is a matter of means testing. If your going to rebuild then your going to want the best. And if that best walks in the door you dont just shoot it down. If the company was a stand up company then at the interview they should have made a counter offer instead of trying to surprise the OP with one. Tickle has a very valid point. Its not about just money but about expectations. The OP has them and the company is hungry for them. This isnt a job at McD's. $8,000 a year is roughly $4.00 an hour. That is a large chunk of change. The company at a minimum needs to answer for that.