Reasonable 'salary expectations' when career changing

[HippyKayYay]

I'm in the middle of (quite an extreme) career change. I'm down to the final round for a role in the new field, advertised with a salary range of £40-50k. In my last job (completely different sector and type of job) I was on nearly £70k. Is it reasonable to say that my salary expectation for this new role is at the upper end of the salary range? While I don't have direct experience in the new field, I have retrained (so have a relevant qualification) and I am extremely strong on the 'soft skills' and have many (many!) years of work experience.

I don't want to put myself out of the running, but equally don't want to sell myself short...

I think it’s fine to ask, but there may be sector specific nuances.

How many of the essential and desirable criteria in the person spec do you meet? If there are gaps and training or support are needed to get up to speed, that should be part of the discussion and factored into the probation period, with an uplift later.

Sorry, I should probably have made it clear. They're asking for my 'salary expectations'. So I've got to say something...

Good point. I meet all but one of the 'essential' criteria. And the one I don't meet is something I could learn (on my own) in about 2 weeks. And I've demonstrated that I have the aptitude to do that...

I would use that to frame your salary expectations, and consider a stepped approach in the ask.

50k surly? When it comes to work things I ask myself “what would a man do” and then do that, a man would probably say 50k (or more).

This. Every time.

I’d go in at £50k and let them beat you down, unless it’s a cash strapped charity or the public sector where they always try to start you on the lowest rung. Be able to articulate strongly why you’re worth £50k though in case they argue you down.,

I avoid giving a numerical answer. I’d say that you were previously on X but you are passionate about this role, the company and retrained because of your interest in the field. Tell them you are aware of the salary range for the role, and wouldn’t have applied if you weren’t happy with it, you believe that your skills and transferable experience mean you are looking at the top end of the scale. It leaves enough wriggle room for negotiation so doesn’t rule you out but does position you where you want to be. If they push for a number say you are expecting something close to £50k and they can interpret what close means.

I’ve recruited a lot of staff and I’d see this answer as appropriate and a good indication of how you would handle negotiations on behalf of your employer