I've recently had a career change (I've worked full time in luxury retail) into real estate. I walked into Talbot's to see if they needed part time help. I had a great impromptu interview with the manager. We discussed salary right away. I told her what I had previously made (previously it was a full time management position), and that I was open to negotiation. The manager said that although she couldn't say anything yet, I was at the top of the pay scale for this job that I was applying for, where as her previous employee for this job was at the low end of the budget for the job. She would research and get back with me but she sounded like she could meet me kind of close to my previous salary. I had 2 other interviews. One was with a different store's manager. I received a phone call from the first manager saying they wanted to go ahead and set up an interview with the district manager. Then I get a phone call the next morning from the original manager asking for clarification on what my expectations were salary wise. I referenced our original conversation and that I was open for negotiation. She asked me for a firm number, I gave her a ballpark of $1.25 to $2.25 less than what I was making in my previous job. She then told me that the TOP of what the budget for the position was $4.25 less than what I was previously making. I was disappointed. She then asked if I would be interested in full time with them or perhaps a different location. I politely declined. I told her the lowest I could go with salary. She declined. The ladies were absolutely lovely. But I was quite taken aback at the offer made especially after the first conversation we had had, which sounded like they were going to be competitive with my previous wage. $4.25 less is not competitive, especially considering what this position is. It's a clienteling lead, meaning the biggest responsibility is bringing in more money for them! Also the job is a key holding position. It's management position!