Made a rookie error when applying for job. What else do I need to avoid?

[Coriandersucks]

I’ve been in the same role for a number of years so completely out of practice with the art of cv writing, negotiating and interviews.

this week I sent my cv to a number of companies that aren’t specifically recruiting for my role so I sent it on a speculative basis.

one of them came back straight away saying they had a potential opportunity but wanted to know my salary expectations.

i not only went back stating my current salary but what I would be happy to drop to for the right role 🙄

they’ve come back saying that sounds great and would I like to go for an interview.

I know that’s good but I’m kicking myself as I’m supposed to be pushing myself up a pay grade not talk myself down.

what else might I have missed or that I need to be aware of that I’m likely to have forgotten so I don’t end up in a worse position than the one I’m in?

Why don;t you email them back and say that you have had a review of your outgoings and you would have to earn at least X moving forward. If they wish to still interview based on this, you would be happy to attend but if not, thank the for your time.

If you like the sound of the role, I'd just go for the interview and, if you're successful, see what they offer. There's nothing to say they'll go in at the lowest anyway. If it doesn't meet what you want, just say you've been looking at the job market and are ideally hoping to find a role at X salary due to the cost of living. If you impressed them enough at interview they may well agree.

Go for the interview and tell them what you actually want salary-wise when they ask.

Go to the interview. It will be great experience at least. If they offer you the job at less than your current salary, come back to them and say you've reviewed your finances and can't take less than you're on right now. Then do some research into what the job is actually worth and negotiate once you are there, or do a sideways move (same job, more pay) with another company after six months.

Just echoing what some of the previous posters have said. You should definitely go to the interview, even if just for the interview experience. They know what you're currently on so I doubt they'll be cheeky and offer you much lower. The worst that can happen is that they give you the minimum that you asked for, and you can say no and turn it down.

Just remember not to say things like that direct to companies in future. I only ever give a minimum I'd be willing to drop to an external recruiter. This is only because sometimes they may be able to find you a great opportunity with plenty of progression, but with a slight drop initially. It's all about what you can gain out of it in the long term.