Job application/salary

[lizzywig]

I'm applying for a job that I think I am very well suited for, it's in my sector, I have the relevant experience and I believe I would be a very strong candidate. In the application they ask for your current salary, it's a mandatory field.

I was made redundant a few months ago and have subsequently taken a maternity cover position which is due to end soon. When I took this job I took a slight pay cut, approx £1000/year. I did this because I thought the job would add value to my CV and because it would keep me learning new things. However, I can't really afford to live on this salary (should I get an interview/be offered the job) and I don't feel that I could take a permanent job on this salary. Although the salary is indeed better than nothing, I also don't want go under false pretences if I honestly can't afford it. This company is renowned in my sector for paying lower salaries so I don't really know how to approach this, it's the sort of thing I would usually mention if I was offered the job.

However, the job is perfect and I really want it. The form does allow me to add free text so I could write an explanation but I don't want to do anything that's 'uncouth' so to speak.

I'd really value some thoughts about how to approach this?

I would put your last permanent salary and mention in the text field that you currently accepted a slightly lower paid temporary position to keep up to date/cv complete etc. Stress the temporary/post redundancy part....

I would stick to the facts on the application form and negotiate your new salary if you get offered the job.

As Jean says, I would stick to the facts & then discuss if you are offered the job. Is there anywhere on the form that you can make it clear it is a maternity cover contract, that way you might not have to give notice etc which could be an advantage for the new employer.

I am hoping to return to work after a very long break - there is not a chance in a million that I will match my previous salary so I am just putting 'not applicable'.

In my opinion, there are two distinct parts to job-hunting:

(a) getting the job offer
(b) negotiating the terms and conditions (including salary)

The outcome of (b) will determine whether you accept (a).

When you negotiate the salary in a new job it shouldn't have any bearing on your current role as it may be a completely different job description/size of company etc. There may be things such as bonuses to take into account.