How to negotiate a salary

[CoeRoe]

I'm going for an interview where the salary is dependent on experience.

I'm in desperate need of advice - if they ask about my salary expectations at the interview stage, I'm not sure if I should name a specific figure? I don't want to price myself out of the job but I also don't want to undersell myself!

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.

[bednobs]

you need to give yourself an honest appraisal of where you are in regards to their person spec. If you tick every box then avoid answering specifics by saying something like "well i meet this that and the other requirement, and have x experience, therefore i think i should be paid toward the upper end of the scale/middle of the scale/lower end of the scale"

[CoeRoe]

Thanks for answering, bednobs.

I do meet most of their criteria (aside from a couple of things that would be 'beneficial' rather than specifically required, per their advert).

The problem is that I don't know the range - I was on �17k in my previous role and am hoping for �19/�20k as this is a more varied and busy role.

[bednobs]

in which case, if they ask you what you want, ask them what their range is

[buildersmate]

Yes, I think that is good advice.
Avoid getting into specifics other than 'I am looking for something towards the top end of the range' (having established what the range is and that it is around the figure you mentioned) until after an offer is on the table - then it is often possible to extract a little more.
At that point, the company wants you and only you, and it is a bit of a pain to have to go back to another candidate.
Avoid at all costs the 'no, but we will offer you a review after 3 months' syndrone.

[CoeRoe]

Thanks again for your answers.

If they do offer a review in 3 months (and I've been burned by that before!), how does a person refuse that?

Or if I ask what the range is (in response to their asking my expectations) and they say there is no range/it's a new role etc?

I really appreciate your help - I was made redundant a few weeks ago and am extremely nervous about this interview.

[buildersmate]

'I've demonstrated my potential at interview to you and I am prepared to commit to working for your company. Surely it is reasonable that you make the same commitment and make me the offer that I seek now? - not in three months time. What would you wish me to demonstrate now to prove that I am worth the money you say you would pay me in 3 months time."

[sue11]

I have taken a job in the past where the wage rise in a 3 month period after completing training, has been guaranteed in writing, so I knew where I stood. In your case if a review is offered, you could ask for a committment in writing i.e. that if you achieve certain targets, you will be guaranteed the wage rise. If they refuse this, then be suspicious!
I cannot believe that they would have no idea about what they are willing to pay someone, so once again you should not expect to get a vague answer.
I would be confident about what you are looking for as a wage, especially if you know that you are worth the wage you are seeking!
Best of luck with the interview!

[CoeRoe]

Thank you!