When to ask about salary negotiation?

[stillnotworkingout]

I applied for a job a few weeks ago, which I didn't get. I received a detailed feedback email, which I really appreciated.

Today, the company called me and advised of another (trainee) post they were advertising. This post is a lower salary than the one I went for, but would be a really good opportunity to get into the sector and progress.

I said that I really appreciated the call, but that salary was just too low for me. The one I'd gone for was already a good chunk below my current salary.

But now I'm thinking maybe I do want it. I could make the finances work if I went in at the top of the grade.

But how do I say that? Do I say that before I apply, during interview, after a potential offer?

When I went for the last interview they said people usually start at the bottom point, but that could be negotiated.

It feels really cheeky to consider asking about this before I've even applied, but I don't want to waste anyones time, least of all my own!

Thanks.

Going in at the top would probably mean no pay rises for a long time. Are you sure you’re ok with that?

It's a two year fixed term post anyway, so I could live with that as would definitely be moving on, but hopefully into something with better salary as I'd have more experience and training to do so.

I would suggest to go for the interview first and discuss the salary afterwards

You have nothing to lose. I would go to the interview first and evidence your worth. Then negotiate. There are two possible outcomes, they'll say yes, or no. But I think it's pretty normal these days to negotiate on salary.