Discussing salary during interview

[Starshollowinside]

I have an interview coming up and am anticipating the inevitable "how much would you expect to be paid" question...

The role is advertised with "upto 30k depending on experience" but no range advertised as in starting salary. What would you say is reasonable negotiating starting point for someone with not a great deal experience in that particular role? (Think qualified but not years of experice in that specific area).

How do others negotiate pay? I find it so awkward! Any tips welcome.

What is your current salary as obviously they wouldn't expect you to change jobs for a drop in income?

Also, looking at the job description can you give examples in the interview of how you meet the criteria? You need to have reasons why you believe you are worth the salary you propose. So much easier to be able to demonstrate what you can bring to the table to justify the requested amount.

I had this recently and took my DH’s approach of asking for the highest amount. He said he does this and says ‘I’m worth it’. I would never have done this before but it always works for him, and it did for me. They liked my confidence.

Well, how much do you expect to be paid? What's the market rate? What do you earn now and is it a similar role or a step up?

I'd tell them 30k.

I agree - go with £30k and add, and I would expect annual rises too.

Say it with conviction - look the person who asks 'the question' in the eye, chin up and say in a firm voice 'I'm looking for an offer in excess of £30 plus benefits, with a guarantee of annual rises going forward'. Practice in the mirror.

This is one of the differences between men and women in the workplace. Women tend to undervalue their worth - men don't.

Good luck!

Currently 25k, our annual wage rise is usually the end of January so not sure what it will go upto.

See this I don't struggle with, I've always been fine with "tell me a time you had to XYZ..." and coming up with examples from previous roles, it's just the mention of money makes me get really embarassed I've no idea why I find it so awkward.

I would say I expect to get the market rate. Which I believe to be xxx.

Thank you this approach sounds bold but definitely worthwhile if it gets the results! I think as women it's engraved in us to be a bit more accepting of less than we deserve (unfortunately!). Well done you for being brave and getting what you deserve!

Ideally I'd like to be paid the 30k, it's a demanding role. The market rate for role at entry level is between 28-32k, dependent on where in the UK.

Definitely tell them you want £30 k !
Good luck 🍀

Then you ask for £30k for those reasons and add in what you bring to the role.

I am a hiring manager and over the last couple of years, almost everyone has asked for at least 2k more than the starting salary. That’s quite illustrative, as I would have never done it. But everyone who asked and made the case has got this. However salary negotiations are after offer and not at interview where I am, so they know they are the selected candidate.

£30k

I am so grateful I asked for the full amount as it is a very demanding role - completely go for this! And report back 🥳

30k that's what I'd ask for regardless. They can only come down to 29/28k

I meant to add I have to actively give my employees paid raises they never ask for enough or what they are worth! 🤦‍♀️

Years ago my brother - at that time a trace t graduate with little experience- asked for a cheeky amount at interview and whilst they declined him for that amount, he did get several £k more than the woman who went for a more modest and realistic salary request.

Point being, ask for slightly more than what you think you might get and be prepared to get slightly less. Maybe £32k in your case?

*Recent

I asked for £5k more than advertised top salary and got it. Bloody good job too as it's extremely demanding role and I still think I'm under paid.

Ask for at least the 30k.

You might feel embarrassed but they absolutely won't be. It's part of the process. Practise it in the mirror until saying it feels comfortable. Be polite but firm. Have you seen the research about men v women applying for jobs which they are not on paper qualified for? Men much more likely to have a go even if they don't fulfill advertised criteria, women hardly ever do. Then men negotiate higher starting salaries. Channel the energy of a man ha ha!

Practically speaking what you say depends on role, but I would probably go for something like "I'm looking for a salary of X to justify the move. The market rate, at entry level, is between 28-32k. You've seen my experience on my CV, but in particular I feel that [my background of X, Y] [my recent work on project Z] would add significant value to the role."

I like : I expect to get the market rate. Which I believe to be xxx.

(Plus the bit about: I would expect annual rises too, is an important factor).

Ask you husband or partner to ask you that question until it falls out of your mouth!

The advertised salary won’t be the top wage anyway they have room to move upwards they just don’t advertise it.

Gosh Op, I’m going through the exact situation at the moment. Have been offered a role that stated up to X and they’ve offered 1k less. I would be happy to accept this but my DH was aghast and encouraged me to push back for the top amount. Which now I’m worried makes me come off like a bit of a dick!!

Definitely shows the difference between men and women!! Happy to update on how it goes…

Maybe another way of thinking about is that they are asking for your expectation. You can answer this non confrontational by saying exactly what you've said here "I believe the market rate for this role is 28 -32,".

If they ask what you are currently paid, I always try to avoid that by redirecting to it being more relevant to speak about what I am bringing to the role and the value of that.

Lastly, the other way might be to say something like "let's confirm that I'm the best person for you, then we can talk terms", or "I prefer not to get hung up on a salary number until I understand the full package". That way you are being confident without backing yourself into a corner.