When to discuss salary?

[Deleted member 651465]

Hey chaps,

I have an upcoming interview for a role which is much more local to me. However, my current role is already at the max of their advertised salary, so I'm looking to ask for top of the salary bracket.

Now, I was also told to never ask about salary in the 1st interview as it sends the wrong message, but at the same time I don't want to assume they'll bring it up before they send a contract (as they likely won't) and end up £3-4k short and have no way to renegotiate.

I have justification for asking for top salary (proven track record in multiple disciplines, exceeding the "desirable" traits in the job spec) but I'm not sure how best to approach it

Job is with local authority if that makes a difference.

 

[Deleted member 651465]

Part of me thinks it must be something I can mention as they've clearly advertised a salary range but then the other part of me thinks I don't want to shoot myself in the balls by asking for top dollar in the interview.

Should I instead ask why they've advertised a salary bracket or ask if the salary is a banding system? I was thinking of bringing it up in the "any questions" part at the end. Something along the lines of "I see you've advertised a salary bracket, how does this work?"

This role is something that I really want as it'll save me 110 miles commuting every day and has 5x the progression opportunities, so I'm trying to approach it delicately.

 

[Deleted member 651465]

Its always an awkward prospect, they may bring it up themselves in the interview, if not I probably wouldn't, perhaps if they offer you the job, that would be the time to ask, if not, then I'd expect the offered salary to be in the letter of job offer.

Jesus that commute

Swansea to Newport every morning. The 5:30am alarm clock is starting to destroy me now and I've only done it for 4 years

I don't really have anything to add, but I need to know how to approach this as well as I'm in a similar sort of boat... I'm about £1K off of top pay for my position, and want to get something more local, but the pay scale ranges from 5K less than I earn, up to 1K more. I do 127 miles a day combined and it is really pretty dire.

If it's any help, I think I've settled on asking a question about salary at the end of the interview. If they're advertising a salary range then I feel its fair game... at least in my head.

 

[Deleted member 651465]

Don't bother about salary, you'll save money anyway and it's got better prospects.

Did you put current salary on application?

Yes, I believe it was a stipulation of the online application form.

My current job will rise another 5k due to banding, but I already exceed the maximum range that they're offering (effectively this will be 5k less over the next few years but I'm taking that on the chin for the location, progression etc)

In my situation I wouldn't be saving money as my mileage and travel time is subsidised, but thats a fair point if it isn't the same for you EVH. How much would you be saving in fuel/insurance/wear and tear/time?

I'd be saving 1hr 15mins each way (2hrs 30mins a day) in time, plus there's car servicing, wear and tear and £50 a week on diesel.

 

[Deleted member 651465]

Yes, it's advertised within a £3-5k range and I want the top of the range. Ideally, I'd want more but I appreciate that's never going to happen.

Happy to start mid-way on the scale (given that I far exceed their person spec), but can't afford to drop to the bottom if I'm honest.