Thanks for your valuable feedback and comments. I do not have any another options. I will contact them and check whether that position is still OPEN. Actually, I not want to stretch my GAP further due to financial constarints

Cheers
Sameer

If you were really desperate to work for them, you’d take the job regardless of salary. You can hold the line and remain unemployed, waiting for another opportunity, or you can cave because they likely won’t.

The only time you have bargaining power is when you already have a job and someone wants to hire you. Otherwise – you’re out of luck. I wish I had better answers for you.

The “Never argue with idiots” quote I prefer is:

“Never argue with idiots,
It tends to confuse people and
they may not be able tell which is which.”

Ever heard the one about teaching pigs to sing?

As a candidate, I, too, am aware of the market prices for my skills. Therefore, I, too, feel it is imporant to get to the heart of that matter. If a company comes to me expecting to pay me 50% to 60% of fair market value, I want to know as soon as possible so that I don’t waste my time. THerefore, I feel that the following approach to the issue is just and fair.

You as the employer should pose your question as follows:
“We are looking at a range of [$X] to [$Y] as the salary for this position and from your resume it looks as though you would probably be coming in at [$Z]. How does that compare to your current compensation and does that sound reasonable?”

Now, if _I_ have sought _you_ out and solicited a position, it would be reasonable, IMHO, for me to approach the issue, when it comes up, in this manner:

“I am currently earning about [INT((current salary + $2500) / $5000) * $5000)] as a [fill in the job title]. I am interested in your [fill in the job title] position and I know that the market will support a salary in the range of [$X] to [$Y], so I would like to receive [$Z]. My reasoning is as follows: [state 2 or 3 _legitimate_ reasons].”

However, for you, as the employer, to expect me, as the candidate, to disclose my _exact_ salary without you _first_ disclosing your salary offer is not, IMHO, reasonable. Do you walk into a car dealership and asay, “I have 36,500 to spend on a car, what can I get?”