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.

Yes please do update! Was your negotiations over the phone or email? Not sure which I would prefer...

Oh I did bit know that!! (The advertised top salary being not the top). Perhaps I'm a bit naive lol

This is one of the reasons I like to wait until they offer the job before talking about salary. They won't want to go through the whole interview process again as it is costly and time consuming. Admittedly they may have a reserve candidate, but being able to balance the salary with any other benefits is a useful negotiating strategy. Also keep in mind how much you want the job. You may not want to lose out for the sake of a few pounds.

@Scarletttulips makes a very good point and also about practice.

Why if they pay up to £30k would you even consider asking for less?!

If you don’t think you’re worth the best pay on offer you aren’t selling yourself as the best person for the job.

What do you actually risk by asking for what they have said they are prepared to pay?

Asking for above £30k as recommended by others has to be carefully considered. It will either be absolutely fine and expected or look like you can’t read a job advert. You have to assess risk vs reward. To make that risk worth taking I would not consider doing so for less than £5k extra, any less than that it’s not worth the risk when you consider tax deductions etc.

So ask for 32k if entry level is up to 32K and you have experience.

Women are too reluctant to demand our worth. Think about what it needs to be to be worth moving jobs - if you are on 25k what is the likely pay rise? Factor that into your current salary and consider any benefits on top of the base then decide if its worth it. You need a decent bump in pay and/or useful experience opportunities to make it worthwhile.

Agree with @HappiestSleeping Your negotiating power is strongest once you have the offer. They have decided you're the one they want and no way will they want to go for second best or go back to the beginning.

I'd suggest deflecting the question at interview stage with "I'm sure you'll make me a good offer." Bear in mind that in your current role (assuming you've been in the job for 2years +) will have employment rights and there is an element of risk in moving to a new employer. This justifies asking for a significantly higher salary than your current one.

Also, consider the whole package - holiday entitlement, pension contributions, bonuses, any other perks.

Good luck.

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

This is really important advice. There are an increasing number of companies who, when a candidate is offered top of the range, there are no annual pay rises after this because they are at the top of the pay band which remains fixed and doesn't rise inline with inflation.

its an internal move and ‘negotiations’ have been via email. I wish I didn’t feel so uncomfortable about it and agree with PPs > we need to channel our inner masculine energy!! Good luck

Op, do inquire about the starting salary. Given the demanding nature of the role, it’s crucial to ensure the offered salary aligns with your expectations. Taking the job for less than desired might lead to demotivation.
The recent wage growth we have seen is stating to peak, aiming for the highest possible starting wage is advisable.