I originally learned about the position from a recruiter. During the phone screening, I provided a salary expectation close to the average for a senior level analyst. I was assured that this was “doable”. Later that day, the recruiter informed me by text that the base pay was a bit lower but that annual merit would put me at my desired salary “easily”. So far so good, right? Next, I had two interviews via Teams that went well. There weren’t any particularly difficult questions and the interviewers seemed impressed with my experience and familiarity with an important software solution (I work for the solution provider). Imagine my surprise when I received an offer $25,000 below my stated “doable” salary expectation. I counteroffered but received no response from the recruiter. A week later, I received another communication from a manager at Huntington asking why I didn’t accept. I explained the situation and why I rejected their offer. She offered just a few thousand dollars more and a far smaller bonus than what I was originally told. When I protested, she explained that the lower pay was due to gas savings from working mostly remote. (I already work remote 100% of the time). Would my pay differ if gas prices changed? What if I took the bus or walked? Perhaps if I commuted from Mexico City twice a week, that would be worthwhile. But, like most employees, I expect to be compensated based on the value I provide. Ridiculous and insulting. I had clearly stated my compensation requirements at the beginning of the process. Either the recruiter was lying to me or she did not tell the hiring manager what my expectations were. The offered salary was less than I make at my current position and would constitute a lateral move to a senior level position. No thought was given to my decade of experience or unique knowledge I brought to the table. I’m not sure if the Huntington people intended a bait-and-switch, lowballing me after initially piquing my interest. Or perhaps there was a total communication failure between the recruiter and the managers. Either way, my treatment was completely unprofessional and a waste of time.