Negotiating Pay

[Heatherbell1978]

I'm currently in a very strong position to negotiate a pay rise to move to a new role but I'm really struggling with it.
I work in a big company, have done for years, with structured pay-scales in place - although I don't doubt there are people sitting in roles way above them as they've negotiating in externally etc.

I have been shafted a few times in my career pay-wise but a year ago moved roles into a promoted role. My salary went up to the new scale, not as much as I'd like, but above the minimum for the role.

My old team wants me back immediately. Shit has hit the fan on things I used to manage and they're pretty desperate. I'd happily go back as I never wanted to leave but old boys network stuff meant they wouldn't promote me. So I moved.

I hate my new role and this one on offer is a great opportunity so I am grabbing it with both hands. This feels like a great time to negotiate pay as they're desperate for me. But the reality is I will take it anyway...

I've said we need to discuss pay but I'm feeling anxious about it because if they say no rise then I still want it. My pay is on the low side for my level though. WWYD?

It’s within the same company?

At a minimum, you should keep your new salary!

Yes sorry within same company. There's no doubt I'd keep my existing salary. It's the same level.

Ok, that’s good.

If you are, let’s say, a grade 6 level b on the pay scale, is there a chance to become a grade 6 level a? Is that how it would work?

Is there a published 'range' for your level? If so, how wide is it and where are you on it?

Are there any other things you could negotiate on too?

More holiday, wfh days, guaranteed increase within x months, performance related bonus, increased pension etc.

I agree with the last post - it’s not hinging on the money, because you’ll take the job anyway, but you should definitely refer to ‘the package’ on offer if you aren’t sure they are able/willing to offer more money. If they want you back so badly, they’ve got to make it worth your while moving AGAIN.

if you have doubts, consider how it would look on your cv, maybe to a critical eye it could look like you couldn’t cope with the new role so went back to the old one.

Yes there is a published range. From min to max there's a £40k range with a 'midpoint'. I'm at the bottom end of this range (bottom 20% of it). But although it's the same level, it's a huge step up of responsibilities and I'd be getting them out of a sticky situation as they have no-one who knows this stuff like me. I can't negotiate anything else - big company with fixed benefits/holidays etc...

You’re in a very strong position then!
I’d still be tempted to bring up the package, knowing that if they can’t offer additional benefits, all they’ve got to bargain with is the pay.

Would you tell a friend to accept a job with a massive amount of extra responsibility for the same amount of money as the easier job they currently do?

Absolutely. I just hate the thought of trying to negotiate. Which annoys me in itself as I've spent years working alongside people who no doubt negotiated huge salaries to come in and in most cases aren't as good as me. I'm just not that cocky type who would say 'take it or leave it' but I know I'm worth more.

It IS hard, I know how you feel! I always have to make sure I wear something high necked as my chest goes all flushed when I’m nervous!

do you have someone who would help you ‘rehearse’ a conversation? If you can have an answer for any rebuttal that’s thrown at you, you might go into it feeling a bit more prepared.

I was nervous last time I did it, particularly as a colleague had also very recently asked and been told no - but I thought…. If I don’t fight for myself, who else will? And then what really was nice was reminding myself of all the times I’d negotiated before, and the salary I’m now on vs what I would have been on if I’d not negotiated anything.

Depending on your role, keep it as objective as possible rather than personal.
Eg

• Other firms in the area are advertising X for someone with my skills. Are you able to match that/ come closer to that?

Is easier to say than "I feel I'm worth X" and then saying yes/no

Think about what they would advertise the job for externally

Also speak to them as though a raise is an absolute given, you are there to discuss and agree the amount

So say something like "what level of raise were you thinking of offering considering the extra responsibility?"

If they turn it back to you, state a figure that's maybe £5k more than you want and see where they go

Good luck!

You might hate your new role and be desperate for your old job back, but they don't know that. Stress your experience etc and say that you will be expecting a salary at the upper end of the range. You know they won't give you any more promotions once you're back in the role, so don't waste your opportunity now.