How to ask for a higher salary before starting

[LadyWithLapdog]

I’ve applied for a job and been sent a contract. I’m looking through it. The salary is lower than what I’m on now. How do I ask for more? It’s all done by email and the HR person, from what I gather, seems quite junior.

For background: I did know the salary range before the interview but it’s only when looking through further details that I see it’s a bit crap re pension and other things. How would you phrase this or is it too late?

I’m getting bored in my current job, no progression, no pay rise, I fancy a change.
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If I understand correctly, you knew what the salary was and that it was a bit less than you are on now but you thought other benefits such as pension would be better. But did you ask about those? If they were important you should have.

Perhaps just email them, if you cannot call, and say you realise you as accepted the job offer on that salary but you thought other benefits such as X would have been more on par with what you have now and they're not and you are now faced with signing the contract for a lower salary and less advantageous benefits. Is there anything they can do about this?

@LadyWithLapdog

I’m getting bored in my current job, no progression, no pay rise, I fancy a change. .

So this is progression with a pay cut? I don't think this sounds like the right opportunity for you - if the market allows (plenty of industries are booming) and you should continue your search - you should be excited about this move.

It's all about the total package. Add it all up for current and proposed new employer. If you're going to be out of pocket, by x % email HR and explain that you're still really keen on the job but can't take it if it means a pay cut. Ask for what you want - and it's perfectly normal to ask for MORE than you are currently on: there is an inherent risk of moving jobs and it's an enticement to take that risk.

Also think about it from their perspective. They like you, they know you have the skills and they want you to work there. If they can up the offer, they most likely will.

Good luck

Never talk money in an interview (in my field at least) so completely disagree with that comment.

When I'm offered a job verbally I ask to have a meeting with the post's manager before accepting anything formally (who is usually the hiring manager) sometimes that contact is required via HR. I like to discuss the job role first, really understand it, make sure I definitely want it, talk encouragingly about what I will bring. Second half of the meeting, business. This is the time I discuss flexible working, leave and pay- find out what the scale is, say what point you'd like to go in at (say higher than you'd actually be happy with) and evidence why- you can say you're earning more currently, but more important to emphasise your experience, "I'm bring x amount of years" "I've this qualification already saving you X amount".

Do this before you sign anything.

HR Manager here.

Email and say my current package is £x salary plus y% pension contributions and z days holiday. In order for me to accept your offer, I would be looking for £(x + % pension contributions missing) salary plus z days holiday.

It's common to vary holiday entitlements on a person by person basis, but not pension or sickness so your salary needs to reflect that, unless the pension you have now is wildly higher than the norm.

Personally I'd call HR and ask about the salary. State that it's below your current salary and can your starting salary reflect this, plus your experience and qualifications - throw everything you have over and above and anything you have which is desirable but not essential
So if you have a degree and it's only desirable then state your precious salary, your better benefits now in current job and your extra qualification such as degree - you'll need to use everything f you have IMO from the get go as you'll likely have one chance to negotiate

My company auto puts everyone in the bottom spine point unless it's argued why you should be higher and reasonable

Thank you all for your replies and for being gentle. I’m not trying to be underhand about it, just not to feel undervalued or resentful. I’ll update, even if it’s a ‘no’.

Nothing underhand about it, you're the best person for the job, ball is in your court now to decide if what they have to offer is enough for you. Most men wouldn't think twice, we shouldn't either.

Yes, don’t sell yourself short, and when taking your decision take into account your current whole ‘package’ and what’s offered.