Job interview - salary expectations?

maryroberts

Please help! I have an interview tomorrow for an admin position - the advert does not specify a salary or hourly rate. I have a rough idea of the going rate in this area but obviously don't want to sell myself short, nor ask for too much.

I've been out of the UK for a few years so I can't base it on a recent salary. I'm enthusiastic about the job and company and would be prepared to accept a low salary just to get back into working again, hopefully with a view to an increase if I can prove myself.

Any tips on how to word all of this in the interview please?!

Also, what happens if they don't mention the salary at all - is it a "no no" to ask them what they are prepared to offer for the position?

scheming_gypsy

if they ask what salary, you'd be better going in at the average or slightly below. If you go in with the low salary till you prove yourself, you could come across as a bit too desperate or get exploited - ie a small pay rise so you're under paid.

If they don't mention it, wait and see if you're offered the job, they'll mention it then.

AP007

I'd never ask what they are paying at interview - always find out before the interview or it could be a wasted trip if you are already in a job.

They will probably tell you but if not never ask face to face as they will think you are only after the salary.

If you are not working just take it at any salary if they offer you the job and take it from there.

LittleVoice

maryroberts wrote: »

Please help! I have an interview tomorrow for an admin position - the advert does not specify a salary or hourly rate. I have a rough idea of the going rate in this area but obviously don't want to sell myself short, nor ask for too much.

I've been out of the UK for a few years so I can't base it on a recent salary. I'm enthusiastic about the job and company and would be prepared to accept a low salary just to get back into working again, hopefully with a view to an increase if I can prove myself.

Any tips on how to word all of this in the interview please?!

Also, what happens if they don't mention the salary at all - is it a "no no" to ask them what they are prepared to offer for the position?

Unless it is a sales job, do not yourself raise the question of pay. Wait till they have moved further to being committed to you by making an offer.

yvonne13_2

Good luck at your interview Is it tomorrow or did you mean Monday?

maryroberts

The interview is today! Posted late last night not realising it was after midnight! Thanks for all the advice - it seems that most jobs around here are posted as a wage per hour rather than a salary. Very low compared to what I earned in London years ago but I'm prepared to accept virtually anything just to get back on the ladder! I won't bring up the subject unless they ask me directly.

McKneff

Let us know how you get on, Good luck

CCFC_80

The salary expectations question is one of those where the employer/interviewer really wants you to ask it but you never should as you are playing right into their hands.

It is much better to be offered the role first. This puts you in a much better position to negotiate the salary you want as you will be their preferred first choice candidate

BTW.....Hope the interview went well

Starlet

How about:

- So tell me, NAME, how much are you expecting to be paid?

- Hmm... well, I would consider a salary as long as it's in line with industry standards. I know that someone like me with 3 years' admin experience will be getting something in the region of 18.5-19K.

(and try to act as natural as possible, so it doesnt come across as being rehearsed! )

maryroberts

Thanks for the support - I think the interview went well, although I narrowly missed out on a great job a couple of months ago, so I am cautious about getting my hopes up! The salary was not mentioned at all and I didn't ask.

Starlet - I would love to earn around 19k - I earned substantially more than that in London years ago but then I moved abroad so have to start here again! No longer in London and salaries are much much lower here... but I will just be grateful for a job! They said they would make a decision by Tues or Wed and first of all congratulated me on being in the final 10, from over 150 applicants!!!

AP007

maryroberts wrote: »

Thanks for the support - I think the interview went well, although I narrowly missed out on a great job a couple of months ago, so I am cautious about getting my hopes up! The salary was not mentioned at all and I didn't ask.

Starlet - I would love to earn around 19k - I earned substantially more than that in London years ago but then I moved abroad so have to start here again! No longer in London and salaries are much much lower here... but I will just be grateful for a job! They said they would make a decision by Tues or Wed and first of all congratulated me on being in the final 10, from over 150 applicants!!!

10 is a lot to interview? And 150 is not a great total of applications for day and age.