<prompt> Human: I worked on the marketing team at this company for over 6 years, watched it grow from 20 people to over 300. Left on good terms to pursue other opportunities for a couple years, now am looking to possibly come back. The position I interviewed for is executive assistant to the CMO who was my boss in the past - we get along very well. I dont have a background of EA job titles on my resume. I know this is a change, but the job sounds appealing to me. The going rate for EA averages 61K annually in my area, however HR told me they are budgeting 48K for this position. Their justification is that they are planning to hire internally or me - either way its someone with little prior EA experience. Side note, I was making 57K when I left the company This company is growing, and I know what they pay for other positions, so I know that its not a matter of a tight budget. I havent received an offer yet, but want to be prepared in case it comes. How would you go about negotiating a higher fair salary?  <response>: The company doesnt want to pay market rates. Your lack of experience in this position is less relevant because youve had this boss before and have have worked at the company for a long time before.Its probably best you look for a job with a different company. 