How to ask about the salary via email?

IC3 · 9 Mar 2018 at 15:21

I've a job interview next week, its a step up from what I use to do. But, I'll have to travel and because there was no mentioning of the salary I would prefer to ask beforehand to not waste my and their time.

I need help in wording it right. I don't want to lose the opportunity, but at the same time I don't want to work for peanuts.

Pretty please

IC3 · 9 Mar 2018 at 16:22

MrRockliffe said:
You could even word it such that you give them your current salary ish, and ask if it's the same/more, and that you don't need exact figures

Past the few months I've been freelancing as I was recovering from an accident, but now I'm ready to go back into full time. Its hard to estimate, as one month it was good money and the other wasn't so good. I haven't done it for a year either, so it would be a guessing game.

I haven't had a job interview in 3 years, I'm a bit rusty... at the same time would prefer to have stable income again. Self employment isn't my cup of tea.

IC3 · 9 Mar 2018 at 17:15

I'll just go to the interview and ask in person... I think that might put me in a better light and I'll be able to read their body language.

I'm not going to say thanks, as I don't want to jinx it.

IC3 · 13 Mar 2018 at 20:05

I'll have a 2nd interview, they can't offer me a higher salary than I had before. But based on my experience and qualifications they said they'll see what they can do. I should know by the end of the week how things are, they were happy with the interview though.

Goods news is, that I've another interview lined up and the base salary is higher than what I use to earn. Yes, this time the salary was in the ad... from this time I'll just ask straight up. We'll see, if my theory behind the 'competitive salary' is true.

IC3 · 23 Mar 2018 at 12:22

Scam said:
Good news. But did you tell them your current salary before they told you what they can offer?

Yes, I turned down the offer due to the fact, I would be massively underpaid. My job search is continuing, I'm getting interviews so that's good. It might sound like I'm being picky, but I'm just trying to get around the same salary I had before.

I have 2 interviews next week, I only apply for few roles at a time to not get them mixed up. It wouldn't look good on me either, if I applied to a number of ads at a time.

IC3 · 24 Mar 2018 at 12:34

Scam said:
That's not picky at all. But you should be aiming to increase your salary at the very least by inflation, obviously preferably much more given the current economic climate. My girlfriend is insistent she doesn't want any more money in a new job; I keep having to remind her that she's actually getting poorer every year due to rent rises, inflation etc.

And by the way, get used to answering any questions about salary with "I'm looking for something in the region of XXX". Never, ever tell anyone what you are currently on as it only tempts them to force you back down towards it. It only benefits unscrupulous employers, rather than honest ones who are ready to pay what you actually deserve.

The plan is to get out there again and either stay for a bit in the company until promotion or move on. I don't want to be stuck without the opportunity to move up, like I did in the previous company I worked for... all the offices within my field of work were outside UK.