If I want to ask to go in at top of salary range, do I ask when they phone to offer job?

[failingprofessional]

Is it ok to literally ask when phoned and offered the job whether I can go in at top of advertised salary? If I can't it's too much of a pay cut and I can't justify it, so it is make or break on whether I take it or not, really.

When they phone with an offer it will include the package details. You can’t accept if it’s too low so it’s perfectly appropriate to discuss it at that point imo.

If this boat hasn’t already sailed, I’d do it at interview.

But if not, yes, do it when they offer.

Yes, when they ring to offer is ideal in my experience (as an employee and recruiting employer)

Yes. If you're nervous about doing it in the moment then say thank you etc for the job offer and could they email over salary package initial offer for you to give thought to, and then you can pick up another chat after that.

Don’t do it, OP. I went in and asked (pretty much demanded) top of salary offer and I cannot tell you how much I regret it. It took years from my life and I live in bitter remorse of my naivety and ignorance

I did this in my last job and had the conversation when they called to offer.
I had put my salary plus benefits on the application so they knew I would be losing money if I wasn't on the max. I was in a good position because they offered very very quickly so I knew they wanted me.

Never ask during the interview. Wait until you are offered the job, and then say, "fabulous, I'd love to accept, but we need to talk terms". Unless you've already discussed terms during the recruitment process of course.

Also, I'd always be cautious about going in right at the top of the band, but it depends on the rest of the package, how much you want the job etc. Etc.

How so? That sounds extreme as a result of asking for more pay.

Why would you be cautious of doing that?

I wanted to earn some money and as far as I can remember it was the only thing I consciously asked for - the highest pay they offered - £12.50 per hour. If anything else was asked for it is beyond my awareness and full levels of honesty. I genuinely don’t understand what happened

I really don't understand. Can you explain?

@TheMostly I don’t understand either. What specifically about you asking for the top of the band made everything go wrong?!?

It's 100% ok to say "please send me a written offer and I'll come back to you".

And it's also 100% ok to say you want more or the top of the band. They want you, this is the time to haggle, not later!

Why ever would you be cautious about it? Women need to know their worth and ask for what they want and need when it comes to salary.

The job I'm in at the moment involved a pay cut. I made this clear on my application form and that I'd be expecting the very top of the salary band and that that would be for a part time role (so my FTE would be higher). I wouldn't have been able to afford to go any lower.
When they contacted me after my first interview to tell me they'd like to invite me back, they suggested that we had a chat before my second interview so that we both knew what the deal would look like if I was offered the job as they didn't want to waste their or mine time if it wouldn't work out or reject a candidate who would have otherwise been offered the job.

Depends on what level the previous job is. If the candidate can demonstrate experience at every single skill required, with oodles of examples, that is one thing. Normally though, a candidate is unable to do this as they tend to be going for the next level up, so some humility is expected by the employer. It is a subtle thing, but negotiation is about getting a mutually acceptable deal. In this climate, there will be a ton of candidates, and if the OP pushes luck, then they could well move on to the next candidate.

That was my point about the variables, how much it is worth to the OP etc.

Keep in mind too that the maximum advertised is rarely the maximum budgeted. There is always wiggle room if one negotiates correctly. That is where the package comes in as it gives room to negotiate a higher base while maintaining humility and still appearing flexible.

A job is very rarely (in my experience) about the base number, it is always about the total package.

I'm sorry but humility? I'm now bowing and scraping to be paid what I'm worth. If that's what they expect then I don't want to work for them.

When they offer is the very best time to discuss this.

They've decided they want you and this is your time to negotiate. You are in the strongest position

Maybe humility was the wrong word, but one doesn't want to appear arrogant either.

As I said, if the candidate thinks that they are worth it, then fine, but there are other ways to up the base without going about it in a way that could be perceived as arrogant.

It is very much an employer's market at the moment, and it really is irrelevant what the candidate thinks they are worth. What is important is what the employer thinks the candidate is worth, and this will be based on the performance at interview. If an offer has been made then there is some common ground, however it is best not to approach it head on. Every time I have interviewed and made an offer, I have always had a reserve candidate.

It isn't about bowing and scraping, it is about playing the game. A far better approach would be, as I said, to talk terms once the full package is on the table. There are many ways to do this, and still get the desired outcome.

It is absolutely ok to ask but consider how you sell yourself if challenged as “I can’t afford the pay cut” is not a good enough reason. Are you fully qualified for the new job? Do you have lots of experience in that field? Are there new things to learn in the new job? Or can you do it all easily & be fully operational with what you bring from your current job?

Yes but have your arguments prepared

I wouldn't do it on the phone. If thank them for the offer and day you will confirm your interest the next day. That's when I would email outlining my desired pay, i wouldn't phrase it as a question either. I usually put something like 'Given my experience and skills I am looking for XX as my starting rate.'

You could say I'd love to accept the job, could you email the terms/ contract including the remuneration package for me to have a read through.
I did this when offered a grooms job, we had discussed pay at the interview, I accepted the job but asked for a draft contract of terms etc.
Hence to say he emailed it me the first 2 things in it was positively draconian!! Hence I turned it down!! The money was good I wouldn't of had a life!

Make a list of the reasons why you deserve to go in to the top of the pay band.
Your experience, what you will bring to the team.
I would personally have the conversation with the HR/recruitment team

I'd also suggest you think about the package and what the whole thing is worth. Eg, if they double match your pension contributions, that's worth a lot. If you have to pay for childcare during school holidays then would 5 extra days holiday instead of a higher salary be worth it - that can be easier to negotiate at some companies as it's a hidden cost, but harder at others with rigid HR systems that can't cope with differences!

Never accept the first pay offer, they will expect you to negotiate.