A pay discussion starts with understanding the offer. Compare hours, tasks, allowances and conditions as well as the amount. You can ask about pay yourself; there is no fixed moment when you must wait for the employer to raise it.
I would note what you need, the relevant experience you bring and the details still unclear.
Three useful phrases
- “What pay range is planned for this role, and what working hours is it based on?”
- “Based on my experience with [relevant task], I would like to discuss [supported expectation]. How do you decide placement in the range?”
- “Could we review the full offer in writing, including allowances, benefits and hours?”
Use amounts you have prepared. An arbitrarily high opening figure is not a strategy that fits everyone.
Compare on the same basis
Check gross hourly or monthly pay, weekly hours, fixed versus variable payments and conditions for shift allowances. A possible future benefit is not a guaranteed part of your starting package.
If the offer is lower
Ask what flexibility exists and why. Discuss other elements you value without assuming everything is negotiable. A future review helps when its date and criteria are clear; it is not a promised raise.
Take time to review the offer and have unclear details confirmed. Use the five job criteria to weigh tasks, commuting and the working environment too.
Find work that fits
Explore vacancies and compare tasks, hours and location with what you need.
Explore vacancies