First time asking for higher salary- do I ask?

[Dannyandsandy]

I live in Asia and teach in a primary school. Salaries are good at the moment and I have been offered a fantastic job. But the money could be better. It’s £300 a month less than what I earn now although the benefits overall are better so I’ll be saving even more. AIBU to ask for a higher salary to match my own? I’m 26 and my first time negotiating a higher salary. I’m scared they’ll revoke the offer if I ask... especially as it might be cheeky to do so during Covid. Any ideas on how to word my email?

Could you not accept the offer and instead say you’d like to learn a little more about the benefits/reward? Then say if there is someone that could explain that section to you that would be great. Then explain the motivation for doing so is that it is less than you are currently earning on a base salary level and you were looking for something where the overall packages at least matched. See if they tick the hint. You haven’t asked for a higher salary but you haven’t accepted right away because they haven’t given you an equal salary

Congratulations on your job offer!

Firstly, don't worry about coming across as pushy-- men never do. The school is very unlikely to revoke your offer simply because you asked about this politely & respectfully.

Tell them you're really excited about the offer and would love to accept it, but it doesn't quite match your salary needs and tell them how much you're after. You don't need to explain why (but if pressed you can always talk about mortgage commitments etc.)

You can also ask if there are salary 'bands' at your level, to give a sense of what the progression is likely to be (which may impact your decision).

I always use this one as well: 'women are always told that we don't negotiate, and that's why we earn less than men.. so as a woman, it's important to me to make sure my compensation needs are met' (a good argument, and true.)

Ps: in person/ phone is usually better than email. They'll get a sense of how keen you are & how excited you are about the job.

There's nothing wrong with asking, just look v enthusiastic about the job and mention that your current salary is x and you would like to match it.
However when comparing salaries you should look at the total package not the take home pay. If the total package is worth more, they may not be willing to up it (it is a big difference and from your wording suggests they may be providing accommodation for example?). If that is the case you could ask whether you could have extra money instead of whatever elements of the salary package aren't valuable to you.