How to ask to start on higher salary scale?

wobblymum1 · 2023-06-23T09:11:33+00:00

Hello! I’m super low in confidence so need a hand with how to (if at all) ask this question! I’ve been offered a job I’m really happy about getting after a long spell of being turned down. Still in happy shock! Salary isn’t big compared to some industries but I’m really proud to have hit £30k range as I’ve been trying for last 5 years to get there, been a rough ride as on my own with kids and one with additional needs. Anyway, I digress. Job is 24 hours p/w (perfect for school runs and health appts for my child who has many) and starts at £21,313 pa scales up to £23,330 pa The advert did state new employees usually start on lowest scale. I come with a lot of experience which they made clear when offering me the job, so would it be cheeky to ask if I could start on a higher scale due to this? And if so, how do I ask? it’s not a deal breaker, as I’ll take the job anyway, but for me every penny counts just now so just wondering if I’m being cheeky or confident asking? I remember in my last job feeling burned I was on less than others who started with me and it turned out they’d asked at the start to be put on higher end of scale so felt a mug for not asking then! thank you 😊

bilbodog · 23/06/2023 10:22

When i got a job with a police force 12 years ago i had applied based on the fact that i was already earning more than the lowest scale - i had mentioned the fact that i was expecting a higher rate of pay and was told that wouldnt be a problem. When the confirmation came from HR they offered the lower rate so i complained and was offered the higher rate.

if you dont ask you dont get.

Original poster

wobblymum1 · 23/06/2023 10:36

thank you!
and you’re right, if you don’t ask you don’t get so I think I just need to be brave🫣
would this read ok?
“Dear X, As you know I am delighted to have been offered the post of Y. I was wondering if you could consider me starting on the higher end of the scale due to my experience and current salary level?”

Nervous in case they think this is a deal breaker for me which it’s not and then withdraw offer!

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froidIci · 23/06/2023 10:39

wobblymum1 · 23/06/2023 10:36

thank you!
and you’re right, if you don’t ask you don’t get so I think I just need to be brave🫣
would this read ok?
“Dear X, As you know I am delighted to have been offered the post of Y. I was wondering if you could consider me starting on the higher end of the scale due to my experience and current salary level?”

Nervous in case they think this is a deal breaker for me which it’s not and then withdraw offer!

Please do not send this. It sounds like you are begging, and will come even if they offer you a quid.

"Dear X,

Thanks for this offer- which I very much look forward to considering. In the light of (state what factors you bring) - I would like the offer to be located at a higher spine point at £X.

This is an exciting opportunity indeed, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Best, Name

LizziesTwin · 23/06/2023 10:39

I’d be more forceful, can you say that you would expect your years of experience to be reflected in a higher salary? You don’t need to grovel.

Well done on being offered the position.

Judgyjudgy · 23/06/2023 10:40

Don't say wondering. Say based on your experience of bla (give specific examples if suitable) you believe you should start on salary of x.

Judgyjudgy · 23/06/2023 10:41

Actually can you just call, that would probably be better than an email.

Chewbecca · 23/06/2023 10:43

I would be more direct and less meek in asking.

but I would ask for the salary before negotiating it. Then if they say the bottom, that's when I would start negotiation.

Original poster

wobblymum1 · 23/06/2023 10:53

Thank you all so much!
I am definitely a groveller 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️Will be much more forceful in my wording!

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FloofCloud · 23/06/2023 10:58

Depends on the company set up, I'd speak to HR and say I'd happily accept the post but due to my experience and specific / transferable skills I'd like you to consider starting me higher up the salary scale.
I did this once, and it was a 10 point scale, and instead of the bottom they put me 4 points up! They did say that was final offer and I snatched their hands off is it was about £4k more than expecting and about £10k over my previous salary

Original poster

wobblymum1 · 23/06/2023 11:01

FloofCloud · 23/06/2023 10:58

Depends on the company set up, I'd speak to HR and say I'd happily accept the post but due to my experience and specific / transferable skills I'd like you to consider starting me higher up the salary scale.
I did this once, and it was a 10 point scale, and instead of the bottom they put me 4 points up! They did say that was final offer and I snatched their hands off is it was about £4k more than expecting and about £10k over my previous salary

This is so helpful (and well done!)
it is a tiny tiny company with low funds but I’m keen to ask as because I’ll be dropping hours and therefore a slight drop in income to take this post every
penny
counts.

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FloofCloud · 23/06/2023 11:34

Good luck, be polite but put your case forward on your experience and skills

Lcb123 · 23/06/2023 11:38

I did this and got nearly the top of the advertised range. I replied to the offer email with my request, my request was based on my salary at the job I was coming from (very similar job). I kept it simple and to the point. always worth asking. I tell myself , a man wouldn’t think twice to ask

Lcb123 · 23/06/2023 11:38

if they are advertising the range, they must have the funding for the top salary - don’t shy away because they have ‘low funds’

Notamum12345577 · 23/06/2023 11:38

wobblymum1 · 23/06/2023 10:53

Thank you all so much!
I am definitely a groveller 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️Will be much more forceful in my wording!

Don’t be too forceful though, if it is just an offer and nothing signed yet, they could decide to go with another candidate instead. Ask yes, explain your reasons why, but don’t be too forceful as they may think you could be hard work to work with.

Original poster

wobblymum1 · 23/06/2023 11:44

Lcb123 · 23/06/2023 11:38

if they are advertising the range, they must have the funding for the top salary - don’t shy away because they have ‘low funds’

Good point!

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Original poster

wobblymum1 · 23/06/2023 11:44

Lcb123 · 23/06/2023 11:38

if they are advertising the range, they must have the funding for the top salary - don’t shy away because they have ‘low funds’

That’s true and it’s not a huge difference in scale between top to bottom

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Original poster

wobblymum1 · 23/06/2023 11:46

Notamum12345577 · 23/06/2023 11:38

Don’t be too forceful though, if it is just an offer and nothing signed yet, they could decide to go with another candidate instead. Ask yes, explain your reasons why, but don’t be too forceful as they may think you could be hard work to work with.

Show quote history

I’ve got this so far -
hit send?

Dear X
Thank you again for offering me the post.
In light of my experience and transferable skills, I was wondering if you could consider placing me at the higher point of the salary scale?

I am really looking forward to working with you all.

beat wishes etc.

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NeverendingCircus · 23/06/2023 11:47

I was a trained salary negotiator for freelancers years ago and one thing I was taught was to get the other side to make the first offer whilst showing amazing enthusiasm for the job.

So I'd say, 'I was delighted to receive your offer and I am really keen to accept and get started on (whatever they most need, drawing on your experience.) Can you advise me on what end of the salary scale you are offering?'

I'd wait for a reply and then if it is the lower end, say, 'Unfortunately due to my experience and current salary, I can't accept the lower end of the scale. Can you get back to me on this?'
You have to be confident and prepared to walk away but honestly I'd never want to work for anywhere that devalues my skills. They will usually offer a little more, and will value you more highly too.

CindersAgain · 23/06/2023 11:48

Lose the question mark and I think you’re good.

Original poster

wobblymum1 · 23/06/2023 11:48

NeverendingCircus · 23/06/2023 11:47

I was a trained salary negotiator for freelancers years ago and one thing I was taught was to get the other side to make the first offer whilst showing amazing enthusiasm for the job.

So I'd say, 'I was delighted to receive your offer and I am really keen to accept and get started on (whatever they most need, drawing on your experience.) Can you advise me on what end of the salary scale you are offering?'

I'd wait for a reply and then if it is the lower end, say, 'Unfortunately due to my experience and current salary, I can't accept the lower end of the scale. Can you get back to me on this?'
You have to be confident and prepared to walk away but honestly I'd never want to work for anywhere that devalues my skills. They will usually offer a little more, and will value you more highly too.

oh wow thank you, that’s so helpful

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NeverendingCircus · 23/06/2023 11:50

wobblymum1 · 23/06/2023 11:46

I’ve got this so far -
hit send?

Dear X
Thank you again for offering me the post.
In light of my experience and transferable skills, I was wondering if you could consider placing me at the higher point of the salary scale?

I am really looking forward to working with you all.

beat wishes etc.

Show quote history

That doesn't sound quite right to me - it's a bit too direct. You want them to come to you.

I'd be warmer about the job offer and say that you look forward to learning what pay package they propose. Thatsays without saying it that you are not expecting the bottom rung.

NeverendingCircus · 23/06/2023 11:51

I think it helps to decide not to feel shy about money, and to have an in-built sense of your own worth. That stops you sounding grabby or a chancer.

TolkiensFallow · 23/06/2023 11:52

I’d suggest going in harder.

“thank you for the job offer, due to my significant skills and experience in this area I am requesting a higher salary than stated in the offer letter. If you are able to offer £xxx I would be delighted to accept”

I always try to think and talk like a man when negotiating a starting salary. They don’t grovel, they just say “this is what I’m requesting” and 9 times out of 10 they get it!

go for it!

Original poster

wobblymum1 · 23/06/2023 11:55

Thank you for giving me
the confidence boost I needed - I’ll let you know the outcome!

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BranchGold · 23/06/2023 11:58

I agree with pp to go in stronger, either with you stating what figure you’re looking at, or putting it in their court to make an offer and negotiate from there.

definitely lose the wishy washy statements like ‘I wonder…’ it’s not how a man would approach it.