How to ask for a higher starting salary?

liz545 · 20 July 2008 at 5:30PM

Well, I've finally been offered a new job, and it's one I really want! :j The job was advertised on a scale £22.5k-£27.5k. I'm currently earning over £25.5k, which was disclosed on my application form, and they've offered me the position at £26k, which is less than I'd hoped for. I haven't replied to them yet, but I would like to do so asap so I can get my notice period started; how is the best way to respond, and how should I ask for a higher starting salary? I have the email address of the HR contact - would I be right in assuming they're the right person to approach with this kind of query? And should I send a preliminary email (I've got a few other queries) asking if there's any "flexibility" in salary, or should I just jump in there and say it's less than I'd hoped and I feel that £27k is more appropriate? If anyone could give me an idea of how to phrase this question, I'd be so thankful, this kind of thing makes me feel really anxious and I just want it to be over!:o

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Incisor · 20 July 2008 at 6:37PM

Can you afford to lose this offer? Just say that for £7 a week after tax, it is not worth moving and you were really expecting to be paid more right up to the top of their scale. They probably think that at £26 they are doing that, but you need to point to your existing salary and let them work it out for themsleves.

liz545 · 20 July 2008 at 6:54PM

I'd prefer not to lose it, and if push comes to shove I'd take the lower offer if they could guarantee a pay review by a specific date. I think I'll probably drop them an email restating my current salary, and asking if there's flexibility in the scale - I suppose they'll either say no or ask me what my expectations are?

cazziebo · 20 July 2008 at 7:09PM

What kind of job is it? if it's public sector or very large orgn with strict banding then it will be an HR decision, if it's private sector then more likely to be the call of the department manager as it will be their budget.

Incisor makes a very good point. It's not a lot of money when it's broken down, although bear in mind that other benefits (pension, bonus, %age increases) will be based on the salary agreed. You could drop a friendly email saying you are delighted to be offered, looking forward to starting, and as there isn't much of a differential between current salary and offered salary, ask the question about flexibility. If there are any other differences - are you giving up or getting more holidays or flexitime for example? - then use this as additional justification.

Having said all that, it would be very unusual to place a new start at the very top of a salary scale.

Congratulations and good luck in your new role.

liz545 · 21 July 2008 at 9:50PM

Well that was a bit nerve-wracking, but I did it! The first reply just restated what they'd already offered me, so I replied indicating that I thought my skills and experience merited a higher figure within the range, and they got back and offered me that! It's a stressful thing to do, but I'm glad I did it - I can start without any of the "what ifs?" now!

cazziebo · 21 July 2008 at 10:16PM

liz545 wrote: »

Well that was a bit nerve-wracking, but I did it! The first reply just restated what they'd already offered me, so I replied indicating that I thought my skills and experience merited a higher figure within the range, and they got back and offered me that! It's a stressful thing to do, but I'm glad I did it - I can start without any of the "what ifs?" now!

Wow! FANTASTIC - well done.

If I ever need some negotiating done I'm coming to you!:T :T

How to ask for a higher starting salary?

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