[Help] How do negotiate a job offer salary?

spongy · Nov 11, 2020

Over the last 6 months I've become ever more pissed off at work and unhappy. Luckily in these stressful times I am reasonably secure (as can be working in engineering/manufacturing) so I've been casually looking at options and saw a job advert 6(ish) weeks ago that I could do in my sleep so applied.

I didnt hear anything back so moved on but out of the blue I had a call on Saturday morning from the MD of the company asking to have a chat and inviting me to interview which I did on Monday evening.

I'll be honest here and say that in my current job my basic wage is £25k a year, but working at a specialist engineering company I have always done overtime every day. So much overtime that taking my holiday days into account i worked 65 weeks last year doing an average of 54hrs a month OT bumping my gross wage to just under £36k. (Whilst being shafted by the taxman)

The job I applied for was advertised at £38k a year basic. Which would be fantastic as I'd have a good pay rise and actually have a normal work/life balance like normal people.

The PA to the MD phoned me yesterday for a "follow up" conversation asking how I felt it went and if I had any further questions and what my notice period is which I take as a MASSIVE positive seeing as I hadn't had a job interview for 10 years but there has been no conversation about salary/wage demands. And that someone would be in touch in a few days...

I've never been in this situation before. Every job I've ever applied for the wages are clearly stated so you know what you're going to get before the interview.

I could possibly be moving into the higher end of wages that I've never experienced but apparently "salary negotiable depending on experience" is a common thing.

Where do you even start? Do I say "the job was advertised at £38k so I'd like that please? Theres one aspect t of the job that I have very little experience in so do I say "you see something in me that you like so invited me in to talk, I realise that I'm lacking in some experience but as I'm reasonable and understand that I'll accept £32k? (which id be more than happy with as a basic wage to improve my work/life balance) but I don't want to undersell myself....

Does anyone on here have experience on negotiating a wage and the best strategy (if one exists?)

I realise that this post may come across as crass considering there's a lot of people out there and possibly on here that are struggling with work and money and its really not intended to be in any way leading or boasting but this could be my biggest ever opportunity to make good money and I don't want to **** it up.

This is all obviously based on the massive "IF" I get the call to offer me a job..... if I do I just want to be prepared.....

Firingblanks1 · Nov 11, 2020

I would definitely go for the £38k and expect nothing less than that! If they offer less, treat it with a paused silence and ask if you can have a couple of days to think about it.
If nothing else, if you take less ask when and how you reach £38k. Often they have a salary window and you need to lay out your expectations.
If they have gone to the trouble of contacting you they obviously see something they like.

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Birdie Boy · Nov 11, 2020

On my experience, if it says up to £38k on experience, they are unlikely to go the full amount. 1 reason being, if that is the full whack for that level, you can't go any higher unless there's promotion. In your annual appraisal they can't give you a raise unless there is a company wide 2%.

I suspect they will offer around £34k and you might be able to push them to £36k. Do they know what you currently earn?

Well done and good luck.

PILTDOWN MAN · Nov 11, 2020

You could respond by stating that you understood from the advert that the position indicated a salary of 38k and see where that gets you. If they come back with we want you but you will need xyz training so the offer is blah you will very quickly know.

dazzer6666 · Nov 11, 2020

Firingblanks1 said:
I would definitely go for the £38k and expect nothing less than that! If they offer less, treat it with a paused silence and ask if you can have a couple of days to think about it.
If nothing else, if you take less ask when and how you reach £38k. Often they have a salary window and you need to lay out your expectations.
If they have gone to the trouble of contacting you they obviously see something they like.

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At least......maybe say something like....

‘Well, I earned £36k last year so obviously I’d like to increase that if I’m going to move. I’m really keen on the job though (blah blah) so if you’re prepared to make me a reasonable offer above that then I’ll very seriously consider it.....

They’re obviously interested and a few ks either way will most likely be within their wriggle room. Don’t undersell yourself, most of us don’t move jobs that often so it’s a rare opportunity to get a decent uplift.

Good luck [emoji106][emoji106]

upthealbion1970 · Nov 11, 2020

In my experience the salary of upto is rarely the salary that’s on offer, it’s usually to try and attract a better quality candidate.

If 36k is what you’re aiming for you could ask to start on around 32-33k with an increase after successful probation period of 6 months to 36k.

East Staffs Gull · Nov 11, 2020

Make sure you factor in other elements of the package, e.g. holidays, pension contributions, hours, etc.
Be open and honest with the potential employer. Definitely go for the £38k on the basis that the move needs to be financially worthwhile for you, you fancy the job, etc.
If you are determined to make a move don’t bother entering into any bargaining with your current employer.
Changing jobs is a rare opportunity to improve your earnings significantly. Don’t settle for less and then expect big increases once you’ve got the job. It rarely works out.
Good luck to you!

jonnyrovers · Nov 11, 2020

Well done for making good progress. Sounds like an amazing opportunity.

I also hate talking about salary expectation, but only when it's for me. I love negotiating salaries with job candidates. You'd be amazed how many people under sell themselves and don't get what they are due. My top tips are:

1. Be confident that if you're having this conversation they have decided they want you but need to know if they can afford you.
2. Sell yourself. Tell them you want the job, and you know you are worth the advertised salary. Let them know that whatever they offer to pay you, if you accept then they'll be getting value for money, they will get a very good return on their investment in you.
3. If they are hesitant, tell them you will start for less (£35k) but only with a promise of a 6 month review based on performance and effort. This will incentivise you to work to a high standard and demonstrate your worth. Make sure they commit to this in the offer letter and set some clear performance expectations.
4. Don't just roll over and take a crap offer. Say no. If they want you they'll be back on your phone within the week. Then you can tell them the price went up :lolol:

I've recruited many staff on the offer outlined in point 3. It works for all parties as a, the recruit is inspired to be the best they can be; b, the employer sees this and is compelled to reward you if you meet expectation; c, you've demonstrated that you are happy to compromise without being a pushover, employers like that strength.

Whether you take this advice or not I wish you all the best.

Super Steve Earle · Nov 12, 2020

You said the job was advertised at £38k basic. That's why you applied. Why would you negotiate a lower figure and consider accepting less?

Super Steve Earle · Nov 12, 2020

spongy said:
Over the last 6 months I've become ever more pissed off at work and unhappy. Luckily in these stressful times I am reasonably secure (as can be working in engineering/manufacturing) so I've been casually looking at options and saw a job advert 6(ish) weeks ago that I could do in my sleep so applied.

I didnt hear anything back so moved on but out of the blue I had a call on Saturday morning from the MD of the company asking to have a chat and inviting me to interview which I did on Monday evening.

I'll be honest here and say that in my current job my basic wage is £25k a year, but working at a specialist engineering company I have always done overtime every day. So much overtime that taking my holiday days into account i worked 65 weeks last year doing an average of 54hrs a month OT bumping my gross wage to just under £36k. (Whilst being shafted by the taxman)

The job I applied for was advertised at £38k a year basic. Which would be fantastic as I'd have a good pay rise and actually have a normal work/life balance like normal people.

The PA to the MD phoned me yesterday for a "follow up" conversation asking how I felt it went and if I had any further questions and what my notice period is which I take as a MASSIVE positive seeing as I hadn't had a job interview for 10 years but there has been no conversation about salary/wage demands. And that someone would be in touch in a few days...

I've never been in this situation before. Every job I've ever applied for the wages are clearly stated so you know what you're going to get before the interview.

I could possibly be moving into the higher end of wages that I've never experienced but apparently "salary negotiable depending on experience" is a common thing.

Where do you even start? Do I say "the job was advertised at £38k so I'd like that please? Theres one aspect t of the job that I have very little experience in so do I say "you see something in me that you like so invited me in to talk, I realise that I'm lacking in some experience but as I'm reasonable and understand that I'll accept £32k? (which id be more than happy with as a basic wage to improve my work/life balance) but I don't want to undersell myself....

Does anyone on here have experience on negotiating a wage and the best strategy (if one exists?)

I realise that this post may come across as crass considering there's a lot of people out there and possibly on here that are struggling with work and money and its really not intended to be in any way leading or boasting but this could be my biggest ever opportunity to make good money and I don't want to **** it up.

This is all obviously based on the massive "IF" I get the call to offer me a job..... if I do I just want to be prepared.....

I know I've already replied, but your post niggles me. You really just need to conduct yourself in the full expectation of the advertised basic of £38k. Who goes in to a job interview prepared to take 10% less than what's already on the table? There has been no conversation on salary, because the number is already out there. Focus on your positives and good luck.

Da Man Clay · Nov 12, 2020

Super Steve Earle said:
You said the job was advertised at £38k basic. That's why you applied. Why would you negotiate a lower figure and consider accepting less?

Very much this for me. If it’s advertised at 38k basic not a chance I’m taking less - particularly if I’m already on 36k.

Easy 10 · Nov 12, 2020

Key point being - you're clearly not desperate, or on your arse having lost your job. Make them aware of what you earned last year, otherwise why would you bother switching for less ? You've shown an interest in them, they've shown an interest in you...

Tokyohands · Nov 12, 2020

Easy 10 said:
Key point being - you're clearly not desperate, or on your arse having lost your job. Make them aware of what you earned last year, otherwise why would you bother switching for less ? You've shown an interest in them, they've shown an interest in you...]

I agree with what was said above but inflate your actual earnings.

Hampster Gull · Nov 12, 2020

Do they know your current salary? That is likely to frame their thinking. Ideally they think its £36k. I suspect you wont get the full £38k unless you are very clear with them thats the minimum you will accept and they have few options, a high risk strategy,especially in this economic environment. Work out what the minimum that would motivate you to move. Good luck

Lifelong Supporter · Nov 12, 2020

I know very little of this type of thing but if the job was advertised at £38k and they come in at a lower sum I would wonder at the reliability of my prospective new employer and would want to check out that other things are as has been put to me. Are you going to be let down in other areas ?

Chicken Run · Nov 12, 2020

Good luck and keep us posted on how u get on!

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Perkino · Nov 12, 2020

Before confirming your willingness to join ask them to confirm the starting salary, it's a very commonly asked question from candidates. We often summarise the role by mentioning salary, regular working hours & essential periods when holiday is unlikely to be granted before asking if the candidate has any questions.

Money is usually the biggest factor in someone moving to a competitor and its sensible to be upfront about it

Psychobilly freakout · Nov 12, 2020

Super Steve Earle said:
You said the job was advertised at £38k basic. That's why you applied. Why would you negotiate a lower figure and consider accepting less?

That’s psychological, he’s been doing a similar job for considerably less money for a while, and all of a sudden you get an opportunity to earn more for less hours. It seems too good to be true, you’ve been loyal to a company pushed the boundaries and get to a point you think this is it, this what I’m worth etc, etc.
When in actually fact your selling yourself short, But can’t see your own value. I would not be surprised if Mr Spongy gets an improved offer from his current employer if he handed his notice in, something similar happened to me earlier this year, and I’m glad I stayed now.

When you’ve been somewhere for so long, employers are less likely to pay you what your worth, if they feel your not confident in selling your own worth, heck why pay more if you can utilise that to your own end, it’s what businesses and owners do.

Good luck Spongy

Early Doors · Nov 12, 2020

When you are next contacted, I'm sure they will again ask you how you feel it went, if you're interested etc. At this point I would suggest you say that you feel it went well, and that you're very interested in the job, subject to the package on offer. This will open talks about salary, holidays, pension etc and it also suggests that you're not going to take whatever they offer you.

If at that point they ask you what your expectation are, (confidently) say something along the lines of 'well the job was advertised with a salary of 38k which is one of the reasons I applied for it, because that is what I would be looking for if I was going to move.' Then stop talking, and wait until they reply. The silence will be uncomfortable if they don't reply immediately, but it's important you maintain your silence. If they are experienced negotiators they may keep a silence to see if you follow up with something like 'but I would be happy to take less as I know times are hard.......' you would be amazed how many people do that! So keep your silence and let them respond.

As others have said, don't sell yourself short. Value your skills and experience and if they want you, they will have to pay what you're worth.

Very best of luck, and please keep us posted.

redoubtable seagull · Nov 12, 2020

Don’t forget to do your own due diligence on the company. Difficult times at the moment so are they solid, what do their accounts look like, are they a going concern, are they holding up during the pandemic, what’s the forecast look like for them, etc. And how do they compare with your current employer.

The fact they called out if the blue and the PA called to follow up would seem promising. As others have said, don’t under sell yourself.

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[Help] How do negotiate a job offer salary?

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