Salary expectations question

Savvy_Sue

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81917612#Comment_81917612

I would not disagree with you: nevertheless it seems to happen!

Marcon

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6658945/salary-expectations-question

You can always 'demand' things but have you actually been offered any other similar roles at a higher salary?

You say you've been freelancing, and I suspect you might be in the same boat as very many others: the freelance work's dried up and you are now looking for employment in the hope of getting some sort of income. Any potential employer is going to be keenly aware of how difficult the market is for freelancers and isn't likely to swallow any old nonsense about this job being so perfect that you're happy to work below what you see as your market rate. That being the case, I'd avoid any old flannel along those lines unless there is something which is sufficiently and objectively compelling to support such a statement.

It's always a difficult question to answer. How about something along the lines of 'happy to negotiate within the indicated salary range once I have a full understanding of what the role entails'? That way they know the you aren't going to try and push the boundaries (or more accurately they have a comeback if you do), but you haven't committed yourself to the entry point of the scale.

MyRealNameToo

You can tie yourself in knots trying to second guess what the hiring manager may be thinking and it's rather pointless as there are many different reasons why things are done. Had a similar discussion with someone on LinkedIn the other day on a Head of role that was advertised at £100k to £150k base salary and they couldn't understand why there was such a range. To me its fairly obvious, they look like they are willing to consider both someone with a limited amount of experience in the role who probably won't be as effective on day 1 but will hopefully grow into the role or is from a much smaller organisation so will have to scale with the larger employer. They are also willing to consider the very experienced person from a direct competitor who'll be more impactful from the very beginning.

It could be they are willing to consider a range, particularly if the band is very wide, could be they are happy to pay top dollar, could be they really want someone more in the middle of the range but dont want to dissuade the true unicorn from applying for which they would pay top dollar.

Personally, I'd answer with a number, giving a range is a bit of a waste of time in my opinion unless you are unaware of the rest of the package in which case a range may be slightly more appropriate. State simply what you are happy to work at, no point saying the middle of the range if only the top of the range works for you!

I'd echo the comment above, employers can be wary of taking on recent contractors/freelancers, especially if they have been one for a long time. Recruitement is expensive for companies and their fears will be that as soon as the market improves and you secure another contract role you will jump ship. Offering to take £5k less a year salary won't offset that.

kimwp

I've no experience in this but maybe give some concrete examples demonstrating your experience and abilities in the areas that will be most valuable in the role/as a senior in the role. Pick the number that you are willing to accept and waffle a bit about why it's about more than the salary, it's also cuz that you like about the company, finding a good fit, etc.

Bonus points for mentioning an issue they are likely to struggle with in the future and how you are well suited to help them navigate that.

mlz1413

If you know why they are asking then it's a great time to sell yourself.

Something like…

My expected salary is X. I realise this is at the top of your advertised salary range, but I feel with my experience in x, y , z I would hit the ground running in this role.

I have been contracting for a while in this field and so am used to a higher rate of pay, but I applied for your position because it is my preferred area/ my passion/ etc/etc.

Also having a salaried position would benefit me with holidays/ pension/ etc/etc plus I can really contribute as a team player rather than always be on a time limit. (Or whatever your actual reasons for applying).

Good Luck!

Marcon

The advertised salary isn't the best and I know I could demand more elsewhere in similar roles but I want this job and I my experience would suggest the upper range so how do I answer the question without ruling me out of their shortlist and getting an interview.

OP needs to be shortlisted for an interview …and the phrase 'used to a higher rate of pay' is going to be a sure fire guarantee that they won't get past first post. If I were the potential employer I wouldn't touch them with a bargepole - quite apart from sounding horribly condescending ,that's tantamount to admitting they'd be off the moment freelance market improves, or they'll be angling for a salary increase in no time at all.

There could be dozens of other applicants who are at least as good - and willing to recognise that they are unlikely to be offered more than the entry point on the scale being offered, so answering that question accordingly.

kinger101

The hiring manager in most organizations would have the ability to hire at the top yoof the scale if they thought you were the right candidate. But they're not going to pay over the odds for 747 pilot to fly a microlite.