I just had the most odd situation in receiving a job offer. I applied for a job, went on 2 interviews, and was called back and offered the job. I said thank you and asked if they were able to move at all on the salary since I would be taking about a $3500 pay cut. The guy said he would ask and call me back. I then receive a call back saying they're giving the job to someone else. I'm going to assume there is nothing wrong with them doing this, but is that very ethical business. I'd just like to see what people have to say or any advice.

Not only is it not illegal, it is not really wrong either. I just don't see it as an ethical issue. They made the job offer at X wage. You wanted more; they didn't choose to offer more; no job. Good luck in the future, though.

can't even make a claim under straight contract theory. I do think its a bit wrong, morally, but not even too certain on that.

good luck,

curt j.

I understand that there is nothing I could do, plus there isn't anything I really felt I wanted to do. If someone was to take such offense at an issue like this, I may be better off. I really just wanted to post to see what people may have to say about this. I know I'm s.o.l. and that it was their perogative to do this.
As a follow up, isn't it still recommended to have your salary negotiations after you've been offered the job? I mean, I had clearly stated to the person that I was fine with taking the pay they offered, but wanted to see if there was any flexibility. He told me I should have brought up the issue with him during the interview, before I even know if I had a serious chance at the job. It seems that according to the events that happened, I never even would have been offered the job because I asked about salary. I mean, I really tried to read up on salary negotiations before I even considered asking, and every article I saw says you don't negotiate specifics until you have a solid job offer. Thanks again for any info you can provide me.

I would say no. Never enter into salary negotiations before you have the offer. All that will do is give the interviewer the impression that all you care about is the money and not the position and the company itself.

However, I will say that, in your particular situation, even though you mentioned that you would have liked a higher salary but you would be willing to take the salary that the employer offered, once the employer offered the position at that salary, I'm surprised you didn't take it. The employer knew of your desire for a higher salary and they did not offer it. Seems like the door on salary "negotiations" was closed at that point.

Good luck with your future job hunting.