Negotiating a seemingly “set” salary?!

[Hairybaker]

If a job is advertised at £35,995 for example (i.e a fairly “precise” amount), would you try to negotiate if offered the job? Or would you assume it’s a set amount with it being such a specific number rather than if it were advertised at £35k for example?!? If you would negotiate, how would you go about it without losing out altogether on the job!
(Also posted in chat for traffic!)?

I guess I would ask the question, don't ask don't get after all. I think I would probably call rather than email if poss and simply say 'Is there any flexibility on salary?' - I can't see how that would risk losing the job even if they say no. If it's public sector or other company that has fixed salary bands the specific figure is likely to be the bottom of the band but there can sometimes be some flexibility to match an existing salary or similar?

It's always worth trying, they can only say no. And if salary can't be flexed you might be able to improve the package another way such as by the pension or annual leave.

Oh and I'd have a talk, ask to have a meeting (Teams/call whatever) to discuss the role in a little more detail. Ask some questions about the job, what they're expecting, then go on to negotiate package.

Would you do this after having been offered the job? Waiting for them to send offer letter to me so I have it in writing. Is that too late to ask if there is any movement possible?

I do it in the period between being offered the job but before formally accepting; so they offer the job, you then arrange to meet to discuss the role and the conditions further, get everything in writing then accept the role. If you've already accepted the role you've already shown your cards as it were, but I wouldn't say it was too late.

I’ve heard that some agencies/employers actually use precise salaries to try and put candidates off negotiating. I’d always try and negotiate unless the salary was excessively high compared with what I was expecting (then I’d be concerned it was the wrong role). Good luck!