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Original poster

Job says 28K: what can I negotiate to?

38 replies

whatatanker · 13/10/2022 20:07

So I’ve applied for a job and had an interview. Interview went well, although no job offer. If I’m successful, I will know tomorrow.

The JD says salary is 28K. There’s no range given. What could I negotiate to here if there’s an offer on the table? I’ve got appropriate experience (7 years) and qualifications. Job is full time and I’m in West Midlands.

OP posts:
Ivy90 · 13/10/2022 20:10

What is the industry/ job?

Original poster
whatatanker · 13/10/2022 20:11

Further education (pastoral role)

OP posts:
FlashFash · 13/10/2022 20:13

What would you expectations be? If 30k or simmilar definitely say I would love the job but couldn't accept less than £30k I think my experience in xyz would warrant this

Ivy90 · 13/10/2022 20:14

Yes 30k

Original poster
whatatanker · 13/10/2022 20:15

Last time I worked it was 38K, but that role involved more responsibility and was slightly different to this one.

OP posts:
lannistunut · 13/10/2022 20:21

I think you will struggle due to budget constraints in teh sector but I would try for £32k with the hope of settling at £30k.

FlashFash · 13/10/2022 20:21

I would say as an initial rule of thumb 10-12% of the initial offer

Baker90 · 13/10/2022 20:26

I work in HR within FE and some jobs are set on the scale and others have a range. We advertise with the range if there is one so depending if they work similarly there may be no wiggle room. Just something to be aware of.

Original poster
whatatanker · 13/10/2022 20:27

Ok thank you.

I’ve actually been offered more somewhere else (39,000), but it’s only a maternity cover. I know the person I would be covering, and I know she’ll come back. It’s also a much tougher job than this one.

If I get an offer, is the consensus to start negotiating at 32, with the hope for getting 30 then?

I was hoping to be cheeky and ask for 35, but I don’t want to annoy them…

OP posts:
idonotmind · 13/10/2022 20:29

I'd for 35 and hope for 30, personally

You can say that you've had two offers (but don't tell them it's a mat leave obv!)

If they stuck at 28 would you take the mat leave cover?

Original poster
whatatanker · 13/10/2022 20:31

Baker90 · 13/10/2022 20:26

I work in HR within FE and some jobs are set on the scale and others have a range. We advertise with the range if there is one so depending if they work similarly there may be no wiggle room. Just something to be aware of.

Thank you for the info. Yes, I did wonder if there might not be any wiggle room at all.

However, this is a new role and in a slightly specialist area, so I don’t think the rules are set yet.

I’d still rather have a happier role at 28, than a stressed out one for 39 (which is also only temporary) if that makes sense.

Can I ask do you find that even if there is only one figure stated (not a range) , do people still try to negotiate?

OP posts:
mrsmarmalade12 · 13/10/2022 20:32

Are you sure there is room for negations? When ever I've worked in education it's been on grades so no wiggle room.

Original poster
whatatanker · 13/10/2022 20:34

idonotmind · 13/10/2022 20:29

I'd for 35 and hope for 30, personally

You can say that you've had two offers (but don't tell them it's a mat leave obv!)

If they stuck at 28 would you take the mat leave cover?

I don’t think I would take the mat leave cover. I’ve had to take time off for my own babies and I’m finally at the point where I really need a permanent position. My career path hasn’t been very consistent for a while. I really feel like a need a permanent role to settle into.

OP posts:
Baker90 · 13/10/2022 20:37

I've had a couple of people ask and if there is range we will almost certainly negotiate but unfortunately with the way things work in the organisation I work for, if it's set, it's set. I always think if you don't ask, you don't get though so it is most certainly worth asking incase they do have the wiggle room there!

Original poster
whatatanker · 13/10/2022 20:37

mrsmarmalade12 · 13/10/2022 20:32

Are you sure there is room for negations? When ever I've worked in education it's been on grades so no wiggle room.

Yes, I agree. I’ve also been on the graded system in the past.

However, this is actually a private organisation that doesn’t follow the grades, so this is why I’m a bit stumped.

On the one hand, I’d be grateful for a fresh opportunity and this job sounds really good, but on the other, the salary is probably the same I’d get working in a supermarket (not bashing that role btw, just making the point that it would not be commensurate with my qualifications and experience)

OP posts:
idonotmind · 13/10/2022 20:38

Fair enough!

There's a lot to be said for the peace of mind that having a permanent role gives

Original poster
whatatanker · 13/10/2022 20:40

@Baker90 thank you, that’s helpful.

Can I also ask that if the salary advertised is 28, and I started negotiations at 35, would it come across as rude in your opinion?

Its great to have someone who works in HR to answer this for me 😊

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Original poster
whatatanker · 13/10/2022 20:45

@FlashFash your top figure takes me to 31,360 which I think I could live with

Is your 10-12% the figure I ask for initially or the figure I might hope to settle on?

OP posts:
EasterIssland · 13/10/2022 20:45

You are asking for a 25% extra to what their JD asks.. I don’t work for hr or your market but in mind tends to be a no from the org normally (it). I think if you’d be happy with 30 irs much easier for them to find 2k than 7

dingdongdarling · 13/10/2022 20:47

Expect them to offer £28.

Tell them you are happy about getting an offer but want to understand if there is room for a higher salary. Tell them you think you are worth £35 and explain why - this bit is important and you should prepare.

If they say no, say you have a higher offer for another role, need time to think about it and ask if they can escalate the decision.

Don't be forced to accept on the spot. Say thank you and you will get back to them.

redskyhaze · 13/10/2022 20:47

If you want to ask for 35 then ask for 35. What are they going to do other than say sorry, we can only offer X?

It's not rude to ask for what you want. You might not get it, but you can ask. It also shows confidence and shows you know your worth.

Ontobetterthings · 13/10/2022 20:49

Worked I'm HE in past. You got no chance getting over 30k if they said its 28K. I would take the mat leave job.

Era · 13/10/2022 20:50

If it’s education then all roles are likely to have been subjected to job evaluation and there will be very little wriggle room. I think 35 is way too high. That could be two grades higher. I’d personally be a bit annoyed if I’d wasted my time interviewing someone who wanted 35 for a job evaluated at 28

Quveas · 13/10/2022 20:56

We advertise what we pay. There no negotiation. Why would you apply for a job that's so far off what you want to earn?

Original poster
whatatanker · 13/10/2022 21:10

@Quveas its not so much that.

I applied because the job sounds good, it’s in my area of expertise and I think I can do a good job.

I’m just wondering if there’s scope for a bit more money, really. Women tend to be poor at negotiating salary, which is why I find this anonymous forum helpful - especially as salary is an unspoken subject in my group of friends.

The truth is that I would do the job for 28, but it would be good to have more and I feel that my qualifications and professional experience would justify it.

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