Should you ask about salary at interview?

DestinyGamer

I have an interview for job as ASM of my local charity shop next week. The salary stated between 15k & 16k. I’ve been told by a friend who use to work there to get as much as I can, it’s a tough job.

I don’t want to appear rude in the interview but also want to come across assertive. If the topic of salary doesn’t come up should I mention it? Naturally I could live on 15k but ideally I need 16k plus if I’m going to be able to pay off some of my credit cards/loan this year. I have experience as an Assistant Store Manager But never had an interview for the role (I was promoted in my last job).

Lorian

Personally I'd not mention it and see if I got an offer, then negotiate up at that point if possible/required. Hooking an offer would be my priority.

At that point if they offer the lower and wont move up then my next gambit would be to try to gain a deal for a guaranteed increase after 3/6 months.

London50

I do not know how others would approach it but if I was going for any job with a salary range and it was not stated just how much I would be getting I would bring it up to at least know for my own peace of mind.
No matter what type of job it is getting the best return for my time IMO shows I am no push over and at least once you know the total then you can choose to except {if offered} the job or look elsewhere

Les79

Wait until they offer you the job. Then say:


"I note you mentioned 15-16k. Well I can bring these skills to the business: X, Y, Z. I feel I deserve 16k. [pause]"


Then listen to their explanation. SOMETIMES the 15-16k range will be based on bonuses, such as year 1 = 15k and then year 2 = 16k etc. But you just have to gauge it from there.


Ultimately, though, you would be wise to think LONG TERM.... Where would a successful post as an ASM/Assistant Shop Manager (you should define "ASM" before referring to it as "ASM" otherwise people get confused) lead you to?


Probably a chance at being the Shop Manager at some point. Probably the chance of managing (in some capacity) a Supermarket etc. 20-25k jobs right there, followed by mid-management up to 30k and then higher management when you get settled in and the world is your oyster.


If I were in your position my first question about this new potential job wouldn't be about the wage, but more about where it could potentially take me.

74jax

I always negotiate my salary.

My current position was a salary bracket of 5k and at interview in the questions section at end I asked if I was offered the job where I would be placed as I would be looking to be at the higher end.

I was offered a higher salary but negotiated a little bit more to be at the full amount.

elsien

My salary was theoretically on a scale. However when attempting to negotiate I found that everyone is put on the same point then stays there - very misleading
I'd probably ask the question as to what criteria they use to decide.

trailingspouse

I'd approach it slightly differently. I'd say - 'I notice the salary scale is £15k - £16k, obviously I would want to earn closer to £16k, what would you be needing from me in order for that to happen?'



If they say 'experience' then you remind them of all the wonderful experience you've got. If they say 'qualifications' then you get them to specify what qualifications they want, and you either remind them that you do indeed have those quals, or that you have something similar/better, or you accept that you don't have them but say that you are happy to get them if it means a pay rise.

Tom99

Yes wait until they offer you the job. Then based on the salary they offer you pick your reply.
I have previously been offered a job at the lower end of the scale advertised, I said I thought I had all the skills they were looking for and I would only accept the job at the max salary they advertised.
I did get the job, but I also meant what I said about not accepting a lower salary.
This did not get me off to a bad start with my new employer, they said they hoped I would negotiate as hard for them as I had for myself.

TELLIT01

I certainly wouldn't bring the salary up before the end of the interview when they generally ask if you have any questions. That, for me, is the time to ask.

Malthusian

DestinyGamer wrote: »

I have an interview for job as ASM of my local charity shop next week. The salary stated between 15k & 16k. I’ve been told by a friend who use to work there to get as much as I can, it’s a tough job.

If it's that tough I'm not sure the extra £13 a week after tax makes much odds.

Naturally I could live on 15k but ideally I need 16k plus if I’m going to be able to pay off some of my credit cards/loan this year.

Is £13 extra a month going to make that much difference to your credit cards / loans? The Debt-Free Wannabe board may be of more help. Saving £20 a month is always easier than earning £20 a month.

Ja7188

Much as I admire you wanting to work for a charity, are you sure you want to look at a £16k job when you're nearly £12k in debt? With your experience in store management, I'd have thought you could aim for a higher wage than this...