To ask for more money

[Hopefulforchange36]

I think I am but hoping to be told otherwise.

NC as this may be a bit revealing

Bit of background - basically I've worked for a company now for a long time, my starting wage wasn't huge and I haven't actually changed job roles/been promoted in that time but simply due to the length of time I've been there, it's now higher than others starting. I hate my job. The manger micro manages everything but the company itself is good and so convenient for me and I wouldn't get the pay elsewhere as I don't have any qualifications.

A new internal job has come up with a team who are lovely, relaxed. I see it as a ticket out of basically being miserable for years. The hours are the same as I'm doing now and the job is basically the same but with different customers. It's perfect. However, I emailed HR and asked the wage and was told circa £20k. I'm on £25k at the moment and I just cant afford to drop. Is that a ridiculous amount more to ask for in an interview? Company wise it wouldn't make a difference as I image they would replace me with someone starting on 20k but I know budgets go on departments.

It's not ridiculous, but they may well say this is the salary at 20 because they wish people to be on an even footing. But you can ask.

How will it impact your current position if you apply? Will it be seen negatively?

Thanks for your reply. No I don't think it will be seen negatively, it really seems on paper to be a sideways step - its literally just that Ive been there so long so had several yearly pay rises.

I know even without the pay issue obviously it is not a given I would get it but everything on the advert for it I can already do with my eyes shut and I know the business and systems so there would be minimal training. I just wanted to check it didn't sound really rude asking. I'll wait to see if they ask of course first though. Thanks

I’ve done this except that I was approached about the internal role so I knew they were quite keen to have me. I wanted 10k more but settled on 7k with some flexible working concessions. I don’t think it’s rude at all to ask.

It's worth simply asking if you could remain on the same wage and you are happy to take on the odd extra task if needed!

They wouldn't need to train you as much and over time im sure they would give a rise.

I'd go for it then, but make it clear you won't move for a drop in salary. They maybe keen to get you if you can hit the ground running. It's worth a shot.

Fab, thank you so much! I will say internally need to keep the same wage I'm on then if asked. I'm so excited about the prospect of a new role, hopefully that will come across too

*that I need to

Good luck. The benefits may far outweigh the salary negative for them, and you don't get anywhere if you don't apply.

I think don't mention money before interviewing. Of you get it then negotiate. You have the benefit of being internal so know the company inside out. So good chance of getting the salary you want.

Agree with mummy, don't discuss money unless they do. And if they offer it, then state you expect to stay on the same salary.

Hi, just a quick update and another advice request please

So I went for the interview and have got through to second interviews (yay). In the mean time I've spoken to a friend who went for a different role in the same department some time back and when he asked for money, he was told they are only allowed to offer up to a certain amount so couldn't give him what he wanted.

Would it look really bad if I went to the recruitment department and asked them if there was any chance I'd be able to match my salary if I am successful? Or do I need to wait to see if im offered it? The second interview sounds horrendous with tasks etc and is on a really bad day for me, two things that obviously I'd suck up and deal with if it stood a chance of going somewhere but if I am going to be told there is an upper limit for salary anyway and mine cant be matched, I don't want to put myself through it.
What are your opinions please??