I applied for three store manager positions that were posted in my area. I was called a few days later by a store I didn't apply to and was told to call a fifth store to ask if she had any positions. Apparently there were no store manager positions available, despite at least three being posted on LinkedIn within the past week. I called the fifth store and was asked to come in an interview for an assistant manager position. The store manager told me the store couldn't pay me the wage I was asking but could get close - and would I be willing to accept at a slightly lower rate? I told her I would be willing to consider it if the offer came with a clear career pathing goal. The interview seemed to go well and by the end I was told my resume would be submitted to the DM. I was called later that afternoon and told my DM phone interview was scheduled for the following day. The DM and I got along well. The interview was very thorough and lasted over an hour. I was told I'd be contacted on Friday with an answer. Friday came and I got the call telling me that the DM loved me, but couldn't pay me what I was asking. Then silence. No offer - not even a lower offer. I said I was sorry to hear that, but that I enjoyed getting to know her and the DM, too. She said they enjoyed speaking to me and the DM was going to keep my resume on file for when a store manager position came up. When the conversation was over, I checked LinkedIn and found three more store manager positions posted that day.