There are many reasons why a job seeker might be willing to accept a position at a lesser compensation level. One obvious reason: a lower salary is preferable to unemployment, especially so if you are currently out of a job, suspect your job may be in jeopardy, or have been given a soft message that it is time to start looking elsewhere. Unfortunately, imminent unemployment is not a compelling reason for a future employer to hire you as employers tend to be more focused on your long-term commitment and desire to be at the firm/company.
So how do you convey to the hiring manager(s) that you are committed to the opportunity and not desperate or seeking a stopgap solution?
We recommend highlighting the inherent opportunities for growth, learning and experience that the new position affords. For example, it might be that the new position would allow you to expand your practice knowledge and gain experience in an area that you have long regarded as interesting, or complimentary to your current practice. Perhaps you would be given opportunities to assume greater responsibility, or work with certain partners and business people, or enhance your exposure to certain industries. People seek out jobs that pay less all the time, for myriad reasons. As long as your reasoning is sound and well thought out, you should be able to make a compelling case for yourself.
470 Atlantic Avenue
4th Floor
Boston, MA
02210
617.207.6421
201 South Biscayne Blvd
28th floor
Miami, FL
33131
305.463.1588
1025 Connecticut Ave, N.W.
Suite 1000
Washington, DC
20036
202.370.3335
203 North LaSalle
Suite 2100
Chicago, IL
60601
312.273.1000
41 Madison Avenue
31st Floor
New York, NY
10010
212.822.0222
355 South Grand Avenue
Suite 2450
Los Angeles, CA
90071
213.477.7008
1 Sansome Street
Suite 3500
San Francisco, CA
94104
415.671.7667