It's an interview and salary one

[Feelluckyduck]

Have any of you ever applied for a job where the top of the salary band advertised is lower than your current pay, with the hope of negotiating a better salary.... and been successful?

I've applied for a job which was advertised at 50-55k + bonus, my current take home is £63k and I stated this in the application when asked what my salary expectations are. I've been shortlisted for interview and I'm wondering whether this means they could be open to upping the pay if I'm the best candidate 🤞🏻 but also don't want to get my hopes up.

No but following as I’ve done exactly the same thing so following with interest!

I did go for an interview and got the job, where the salary was lower. At interview I was honest and said I wouldn't accept for less than x. They offered at less, I went back and said no so they offered more. It wasnt my target amount though so ultimately I said no. It's hard though as my salary is high for my position due to yearly increase and length of service. So ALL jobs at my level are lower. To go higher than current salary I would have to go up a level and ATM I just don't want to, so I stay where I am!

In my current and previous roles the band given is where they hope to land a new joiner but the real salary band goes uo approx as high again. The hiring manager has authorisation within the published band but would need to seek more senior approval to go outside it.

In your example this would put the real max around £60K, poss up to £63.

The only downside, and reason they'd be very keen to get you closer to the middle of the band, is if they start you at the top then it's unlikely you'll have much of a payrise for the next few years without promotion, and even with promotion you'd likely land in the upper half of the next pay band so the issue would persist.

I would go for it (if private sector) If it's public sector then it's not worth trying as their hands are tied.

Though ,TAKE HOME of £63k is a huge amount more than a £55k salary. The bonus would have to be HUGE! If you are confident in your ability, though, go for it.

Thank everyone, it's private sector so I'm hoping there's a chance. Particular if they already know my expectations 🤞🏻 but they may also be first stage interviewing to see whether I would go lower I guess.

Sorry @PerfectYear321 that's a bit of a tired brain error of mine there 😂 I wish I took home 63k haha I meant my current salary is 63k

@Tickytocky good luck with your application! 🤞🏻

@WalkingInTheTulips I think this is slightly my issue too, my current pay is top end of "market average". Although there are lots of similar roles paying the same or more of course.

@Gofastboatsmojito that's a good point you've raised there about the band they'd like to hire at vs what's actually available in budget. I wouldn't mind taking a slight cut to 60k for example, because I really love the prospect of the job itself and I'm grossly uninspired and unsettled in my current job so it would be worth it.