You know well that London has one of the most competitive environments for job seekers. The competition is quite high even in the work place given the number of candidates waiting to grab your place. For these reasons the salary negotiation is an extremely sensitive issue especially for those who have been unemployed for quite some time. But you are highly likely to have to arrange this matter right at the interview. Thus, it is best for you to be as well prepared as possible.
The first and most important thing you have to do is research. It is best to find out more about the industry and the remunerations in it. You should also research the salary for the position you will be applying for even before sending your CV and cover letter. In this way you will have a clear idea whether the standard remuneration corresponds to your experience and skills. You will be able to do some calculations and figure out whether this income can satisfy the needs of your household.
As long as you have researched the typical salary well you will be able to have a ready answer when asked at the interview. Still, you should let the interviewer bring up the topic. You will usually be asked how much you expect to earn from your job. At this point you should present an answer that is not precise and that is as general as possible. It is best to give a certain range – the smaller number should be slightly lower than the standard for the industry while the larger number should be slightly higher than the average. In this way there will be room for actual negotiations.
You can readily add something diplomatic. For example, you can say that you expect adequate remuneration for your services given the industry standards. Still, before answering this question you have to be certain that the interviewer has a clear idea about your qualifications and skills and how you can add value to the company.
Generally, you are highly recommended to avoid discussing any remuneration matters before being given a job offer by the interviewer. If you are called after a couple of days, you should arrange a special meeting at which to arrange the salary. It is best to assess the numbers carefully. You should also take into consideration the additional remunerations such as bonus payments. You should also look at health and social benefits.
You should have a clear idea what to expect from the job in terms of salary before applying. As long as the offer meets your expectations and household budget calculations you should not hesitate to accept it straight away. If you are not happy with the conditions you should share this with the recruiter immediately. You have to say precisely what you do not like about the salary in the politest manner possible. You also have to ask what the possibilities for an increase are. You have to find out how flexible the offer is.
If the recruiter shows that there is no room for negotiations you can readily ask for some time to think about the conditions. It is up to you to make the right decision. If you choose to decline the offer, do it politely and in a professional manner.