Public sector job. Pay range advertised "according to qualifications and experience"

[Metaphors]

I have never know anyone be offered anything other than the bottom of the scale. I have asked that consideration be given to starting me slightly up the scale because of my qualifications and experience and was told "we don't do that, everyone starts on the bottom".

So why advertise like that? Does everyone really always start of the bottom? How do I negotiate better next time?

[EBearhug]

The only way I've negotiated successfully was when I was already in a job, and not that interested in the job offered, so said I wouldn't take it for less than (about 20% more than I was then on) - they tried to get HR to agree. I felt bad, because I realised I just didn't want the job for other reasons. But it was quite a lesson that someone was prepared to take me seriously with such figures. (Also, it was private sector.)

Jobs I've actually wanted/needed - when you're unemployed and a bit desperate, it makes negotiating difficult. It's difficult to say you'll only take it for X when you're on JSA and almost anything is an improvement on that.

It only makes sense for everyone to start on the bottom if they really are all new and inexperienced. If you've already got some experience, then surely you should be on a bit more than someone who's coming from nothing. And if they really do start everyone on the bottom, then they shouldn't be advertising "pay according to skills and experience."

Don't really know the answer, though.

[Metaphors]

I know Ebearhug. I had a career change but my previous skills and experience really are relevant. They are getting so much more than they're paying for and although I love the job and wouldn't go back to my old career for all the tea in China, it does leave a bad taste that they're getting me so cheap.

[stevemLS1]

I think there is generally some flexibility if you are entering the role from another public sector employer in a similar area, and are already on the same grade.

That's how it works at my employer anyhow.

[CountryLovingGirl]

I am NHS and we all had to start at the bottom (even mature entrants who had come from another career). I moved trusts at the top of my spine point and was kept at the same spine point due to experience.

[CountryLovingGirl]

Also, if I took a break for a few years I would have to start at the bottom (even with 19 years experience in the job). I don't think that teachers do though.

[BikeRunSki]

I am a public sector worker, transferred from a similar role in private. I came in on Paypoint 3 in my grade due to experience and being chartered. My organisation has descriptions of the minimum standard of work and experience expected for each waypoint.

[Bearsinmotion]

When I was offered my current job I told them what I was prepared to accept to take the job, as my previous job paid part way up the scale. It can be done. But having recruited people to my team it isn't easy, and HR assume they will start on the minimum unless a very strong case is made.

[Stars66]

I started on basic salary with 3 yrs post qualified experience, same as a NQSW and I didn't negotiate. More fool me! But, it is easier for me to move up the pay scales with PAR than an NQSW.
In answer, I don't know, but do try as I wish I'd tried!!!

[MrsBeornBear]

I know one person in a public sector job who (claims to have) negotiated starting a couple of points higher than the base of the pay range (this was about 11 years ago.) Nowadays though all the "steps" have been removed and the only way from bottom to top of scale is via consolidated pay rises, which there haven't been any of for oh about 5 years.

[cheerup]

I did it... it was years ago though and I was going from a well paid private sector management role to a public sector admin role (don't ask - predictably it wasn't a great career move)