Council interview and salary

xxJudexx

Hey guys,

I have an interview with a local council. I know I am getting ahead of myself thinking of the salary before it has even been offered but i want to make sure I don't say the wrong thing in the interview.

The salary band is from 15,800 to 20,500 pa. If I was offered the job do you think they would ask what my salary expectation is? Or would they put me in the bottom of the band straight away?

The post is entry level with no previous experience necessary.
At my current workplace I earn 16,800 pa so I was thinking if they ask what my expectations were I would say no lower than what I am currently on.

Or would it be better to say I have no expectations and let them put me in the bottom of the band? I can live on the less money because it would mean less traveling.

Thanks for any advice!

ali-t

I have worked in lots of council jobs and if it doesn't come up in the interview I would say it in the questions bit at the end. I would say that in my current post I earn higher than the lower end of the scale and that if I was the successful candidate could they ensure I would not be financially disadvantaged as a result of accepting the post.

I have done this a number of times and always get bumped up a couple of points higher than I was on in the previous job. If they want you it can be negotiated.

t0rt0ise

Or you could leave it until they offer you the job before you negotiate pay. Once they've chosen you they will be keen to get you whereas if you ask at the interview it may just steer them towards someone else.

Southend1

Their policy will most likely be to appoint at the bottom of the scale. There may be some discretion to appoint at one or two points from the bottom for an exceptional candidate. Don't forget progression pay is likely to mean you are awarded an increment annually until you reach the scale maximum.

Don't mention money until they make an offer. Then explain that you really enjoyed the interview and it looks like just the role for you but you are currently paid £xxxx and ask if they can match it. This is when they are likely to either say bottom of the scale or nothing or that they will check with the boss if they can bump you up a point or two.

Also don't forget the value of the pension scheme on offer, particularly if you are moving from the private sector.

debrag

So I have an interview with my local council and going by their pay scale the pay offered, it falls between bands. Could it be that they haven't included the London weighing on their bands but have on the advert?

The site does say 'All advertisements quote the appropriate salary range for the job' and include the bands.

Southend1

debrag wrote: »

So I have an interview with my local council and going by their pay scale the pay offered, it falls between bands. Could it be that they haven't included the London weighing on their bands but have on the advert?

The site does say 'All advertisements quote the appropriate salary range for the job' and include the bands.

Have they just had an annual pay review and included the new range on the job advert but not wherever you're looking at the scale? Is there any additional allowance e.g. Car allowance or unsocial hours that has been included? Best to give them a call to ask.

debrag

yeah that is probably the case

easilydistracted

How desperate are you to get the job? I'm a qualified and experienced social worker so have some power to negotiate. My experience of working for the local councils are if you don't negotiate hard you don't get. They tend to be a little shocked but most are prepared to negotiate, some not. I don't take new jobs on the same level or higher for less money. I told one I was only working for top of the scale, this was because they were a long commute away and I wasn't really sure about the employer. They paid it, but turned out this was cause they were desperate and horrible to work for. I persuaded a nervous colleague to honestly say he couldn't accept a post if they couldn't match his salary due to fuel costs. This went to a funding panel who came back with a yes. Another would not negotiate so I walked.

After this I did agency work for the council I work for now and then got the post I'm in now. Because the post is at a management grade I am on a lot less than I was on as an agency social worker because I didn't have the skills and experience for the role so they'll have to train me. I was happy to accept lower as the opportunity was what I wanted.

I probably sound a bit mercinary from this but that's not the case, it means they will retain me for longer and I work very hard.

Main council perks tend to me the still quite decent pension and some discounts, not a lot to set your world alight!

tommytynan123

ali-t wrote: »

I have worked in lots of council jobs and if it doesn't come up in the interview I would say it in the questions bit at the end. I would say that in my current post I earn higher than the lower end of the scale and that if I was the successful candidate could they ensure I would not be financially disadvantaged as a result of accepting the post.

I have done this a number of times and always get bumped up a couple of points higher than I was on in the previous job. If they want you it can be negotiated.

Bit strong for interview stage (could they ensure )
Ask yourself:
Do you really want this new job ?
How many are being interviewed from the pile that applied ? 40+ applicants with about 6 - 8 being interviewed is common. Your competition will be strong - very strong - so say/do nothing that gives them a reason to bin you.

I wouldn't mention it until the offer is made and if they ask you during the interview try ''well my present salary is a little above your minimum and it would be nice to maintain that figure but I am flexible'' (smile as you say it !!):)

easilydistracted

tommytynan123 wrote: »

Bit strong for interview stage (could they ensure )
Ask yourself:
Do you really want this new job ?
How many are being interviewed from the pile that applied ? 40+ applicants with about 6 - 8 being interviewed is common. Your competition will be strong - very strong - so say/do nothing that gives them a reason to bin you.

I wouldn't mention it until the offer is made and if they ask you during the interview try ''well my present salary is a little above your minimum and it would be nice to maintain that figure but I am flexible'' (smile as you say it !!):)

This would be great advice for most employers. However councils are mercinary and will do anything to pay the minimum, they like any sign of movement re money in order to accept you'll take the minimum and you have to play hardball with them. As I say depends on specialist experience and how prepared you are to walk away.

pandora205

It's not usual to negotiate salaries at interview but after the job has been offered. Most Councils have a policy to recruit at the bottom of the grade unless someone has similar experience and is paid at a higher level in which case there is some bargaining power. If I wanted to be sure before interview I would phone up the HR department as it is unlikely they will be interviewing but will know what generally happens (and would be advising the manager on the recruitment process).