Asking for a higher salary for a new job?

~Beanie~

I have got an interview in a couple of weeks for a job that I really, really want. I am bored stiff in my current one and the one I am applying for is pretty similar to what I do at the moment but hopefully with more work for me to do!

The starting salary was just below my current one when I applied but I have since had a payrise which makes it a couple of grand less. It may not sound much, but it is to me!

Should I be offered it, I will take the new job anyway but obviously I would like the extra cash. I have been onto their website and their salary scales for the grade I am applying for would accomodate my current salary quite comfortably, I wouldn't be asking to start at the top of the scale or anything although they have advertised the starting salary at the bottom of said scale.

How would I go about trying to get them to start me on what I get now? Should I bring it up at the interview or wait until they (hopefully) offer me the position and then try to negotiate a bit of a rise?

mymatebob

If may not just be down to salary of course. What is the pension scheme like?
How many holidays?
Any other benefits

All things being equal there is no harm in asking about salary - if it is on a sliding scale then they may be vague at the interview and only when you are offered the job do the real negotiations begin.

Fluffi

Wait until they offer you the position or bring up the subject of remuneration during the interview and then try to negotiate. Don't mention salary before the interviewer does otherwise it'll look like you are assuming you'll get the job and are very overconfident!

ceridwen

Once you have established you have been offered the job - you could ask "What criteria do people have to fulfil in order to start the job initially at a higher point on the scale?" and then do a quick mental runthrough of anything they say (e.g. length of time in former - ie current - job) to see if you fulfil any of those criteria. If you do - then obviously point out "You have given x possible reasons why someone might come in a point or two up the scale - and I fulfil 2 of those reasons" for instance.

~Beanie~

Thanks for ideas guys!

Like I said, If I was lucky enough to be offered the position, I would take it anyway but thought there would be no harm trying to get a bit of a higher salary than advertised!

As you can see from my sig, I am trying to deal with my debts so even a smallish drop of £50 or so a month would be enough to disrupt my budget!