What's your salary expectations?

Charlotte_Ca

I'm wondering when they give the salary on the ad as a range and they ask you what are your salary expectations, then what's the best way to answer?

E.g: They give £37-£40K

Obviously everyone would like as much as possible. So, if they ask the question and I just reply back saying for example "I can see on your ad this is the range you provided and so I'm wondering if you can let me know how you decide which salary is suitable for your new hire"

Say that in a nice way obviously. How does that sound?

BikingBud

Job analysis? - What's the market rate for the job, essential and desirable criteria and the responsibility. What are they expecting? If it's in line then you know what the ball park is.

Self analysis? - How well do you match the essential and desirable criteria? What puts you towards the top end of the salary band. If you meet only some of the criteria will they train you, mentor you and sponsor you to gain professional accreditation? And boost your salary when you do that?

But think wider than just salary, think total package, what is the pension scheme Salary Sacrifice? Do they pay min or max, some pay all NI savings from sal sac others pay the bear minimum.

Other benefits, health, dental, travel, leave, flexi-time, cycle to work, high street discounts etc.

Do wider research on the company, is it somewhere you can see yourself staying and growing, so a lower starting rate might be acceptable if there are other factors to boost the non-cash value.

Newbie_John

If they showed salary range and asked you that question it's more of a confrinatiocon that you have seen it and happy with it - and if you are, just say that you are happy with the provided range.

itsthelittlethings

Up from your current salary, unless it's a sideways move!

TELLIT01

I'd say around the mid point of the range stated.

BikingBud

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82004386#Comment_82004386

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82004421#Comment_82004421

For both why?

Marcon

So, if they ask the question and I just reply back saying for example "I can see on your ad this is the range you provided and so I'm wondering if you can let me know how you decide which salary is suitable for your new hire"

Say that in a nice way obviously. How does that sound?

Sounds like a sure fire way to ensure you aren't shortlisted. Application forms are there for you to provide information, not quiz a potential hirer! What could they possibly say in return other than the old chestnut of 'negotiable within the salary range shown'?

A safe response is along the lines of 'within the salary range advertised'. That confirms you've noted the salary and (from their perspective) puts you on tricky territory if you try to negotiate above it. If you're exceptional and they really want you, and IF they have flexibility, you may be able to edge upwards if you're a brilliant negotiator.

strawb_shortcake

If it's the civil service then it's highly likely you'd start on the pay band minima, higher starting pay is not common.

Otherwise, if you want more than £37k then you need to sell yourself and negotiate how much you think you're worth, asking how they decide will get you nowhere

TELLIT01

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82004448#Comment_82004448

Too high may make the employer think you could quickly become unsettled if there was no wage progression.

Marcon

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82004829#Comment_82004829

…but would also negate the possibility of starting higher on the scale. It would also push the down the list if (as is likely) the employer has had dozens of potentially suitable applicants who are willing to come in at the entry point and/or the employer has little or no flexibility. Keeping options open is the best bet at this stage.

Charlotte_Ca

OK, based on the answers I think I should better avoid asking them how they determine the final salary. At least on our initial phone call. Saying I'm happy with the advertised range is better it seems.

I remember very early on my career when I was applying for jobs that didn't have an advertised salary and during the interview they ask me the question about my salary expectations, then on my research I was advised to provide a range with the minimum being the salary I would actually want.

E.g. Let's say I would be happy with £25K, then I would tell them at the interview £25K to £26K

I'm wondering if they do the same. Like they gave this range £37K-£40K because they actually going to give you the lowest and if you are super duper for this role and you negotiate then they can go higher.