How do you answer the "what salary are you expecting?" question?

[ChunkysMum]

I am currently on £16,500 and have an interview for a job adverstised with a salary range of £18-21,000.

I have all of the experience/skills for this job (and then some) and know, given the description so far, that I'd do it well.

I would really like this job, even at the lower end of the given scale (18,000), but would like to start on as high a salary as possible (as extra commuting etc. will be involved), however I know the job market is competetive and wouldn't want to 'stab myself in the foot.'

How do you answer this horrible question?

I always just dodge it. For example:
"I am sure the salary will be in line with my qualifications and experience"
"I am always willing to negotiate on salary, it would of course depend on the role and responsibilities"
"to be honest the salary wont necessarily be the deciding factor if I were to be offered the job"

Good luck in the interview, sounds like you're well suited to the job!

I would say that I had all skills and experience for the job so ultimately I thought I was worth towards the top end of the range. However, would be willing to start for a lower salary so they could see what they thought I was worth.

"Given my skills and experience, I'd be hoping for at least the middle of the range you're suggesting, but the salary isn't a show-stopper so long as there is plenty of scope for progression within the post"

I would say towards the top end. I think if they want you but can't afford it they'll just offer you lower and see what you say.

Or be honest - I want the job, it's more than I'm paid now, but I'll need extra for the commuting etc so will need a payrise to break even.

You may find if it's a structured pay scale where you can get increments yearly (council etc) you'll go in at the lowest level and get a pay rise each year til you reach the top of your grade. At that point there's no negotiation as that's what happens in those type of establishments.

If it's advertised at a range, why wouldn't you ask for the top of it? Worst that can happen is they beat you down.

If the range isn't available then it shouldn't be advertised as being available [sore point]. (does anyone know if it's actually illegal to advertise a salary which isn't available?)

I would say, "My expectations are within the range offered," and start haggling if they offered me the job.

Women tend not to ask for more pay and men do which is why we often end up paid less (I don't suffer from this problem). I was talking to one of my children (adult) about this question recently. it is difficult because you don't know if they have tons of people who will take it at the lowest end or they are really keen to have you and will pay over the top end.

Apparently according to an article in the Times there's a programme about a Plumbers in London Pimlico Plumbers? where the boss made everyone tell everyone else what they earn, coming out soon.

Anyway I would say "although I am very keen to work here I do need work which reflects my abilities, my added commuting costs and thelike and is the market rate for the job. If the job were offered to me the upper salary rate seems about right to me."

In large organisations, usually when there's a pay scale there's also a "spine point" somewhere in the middle. i.e. what they really think the role is worth. People at the lower end will usually be there because they've had an internal promotion. When recruiting from outside companies often expect to have to pay a bit more and if they really want you and/or are struggling to fill the position they'll pay the top end. (which yes still happens far more than the economic conditions would suggest)

Xenia's advice is excellent and exactly what DH did last year when interviewed for a job he really wanted but which was a much more expensive commute than he was used to. They paid him the top of the advertised scale plus a bit!

I'd ask for something in the middle, knowing that you'd accept a bit less if necessary - don't tell them the money doesn't matter to you - they'll take you at your word!

Interview was today and they didn't ask this question.

Went well though, I think.

Crossing fingers for you!

Ok I recently had an interview and when they asked me I said slightly more than the advertised rate, they came back and offered me it!

I had this question in the nhs system and although they wanted me to start on the lowest point I justified myself to be worth at least 4 more increments due to time qualified and experience. I got the job.
So I would say be honest. Don't over inflate your worth but don't accept peanuts either