The initial rate discussed was $90k, which felt low for the job description, which also included maintenance of a classic ASP stack, pre-.NET, and support desk duties.
First round interview was on a Friday, with the lead Web Developer/manager, and mainly consisted of getting a history from me, including stacks I've worked with and favorite accomplishments. Same day, I was told that they were very interested and wanted my references for immediate contact, and that I should hear something "early the next week."
My references reported being contacted the same day.
I awaited word the next week, and was finally contacted Weds. for a second interview, in which we went over some other basic interpersonal skill questions. I then was told to expect "good news soon." Reached out to the recruiter, and was told that the HR manager was out of office and had to approve the rate, which seemed weird, as I had thought that was locked in from the start.
The following Monday, I was informed that the offer was to be $78k, $12k less than I was led to believe was the rate I was applying for, and that it was due to "budgetary issues."
