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How to Turn a £50K Salary into a £70K Offer

How to Turn a £50K Salary into a £70K Offer

There’s a common mistake that happens in salary conversations all the time. And it’s costing people thousands.

Let’s say a recruiter asks you:
“What are your salary expectations?”

Most people panic a bit, think about their current salary, add a bit on, and say something like:

“Well, I’m currently on £50K so I’m looking for around £55K to £60K.”

Sound familiar?

It’s a totally understandable answer. But it’s also the wrong one.

Because now, even if the role has a budget of up to £70K, you’ve anchored yourself to £55K–£60K. And that’s the range they’ll now work within when putting together your offer.

You’ve left money on the table before you’ve even got to the negotiation stage.

Here’s how to approach it instead

When they ask for your salary expectations, don’t just say a number. Ask this instead:

“What’s the salary range for this role?”

Let them answer. They might say something like:

“It’s between £60K and £70K.”

Great. Now you follow up with:

“What skills and experience differentiate someone earning £60K from someone earning £70K?”

You want to know exactly what they’re paying more for.

And here’s the thing. They’ll usually tell you. They might say the top end of the range is for people with specific experience, technical skills, or projects under their belt.

Now you can do a quick self-assessment. If you tick those boxes, you’ve got every right to say:

“Thanks. Based on what you’ve said, I’d be looking for a salary of £70K.”

Simple. Clear. Confident.

Why this works

Because it shifts the salary conversation away from what you’re currently on (which is irrelevant)...

And towards what the role is worth based on your experience.

That’s how people go from a £50K salary and targeting £55K–£60K...
To securing a £70K offer.

That’s a £15K swing. Just by changing how you handle the conversation.

A few things to remember

  • You don’t need to disclose your current salary. It’s not legally required in most places, and it’s got nothing to do with what you should be paid now.
  • Your salary expectations should be based on market value, the role, and your experience. Not what you need to pay the mortgage.
  • If a recruiter or hiring manager won’t tell you the salary range, that’s a red flag. You’re allowed to ask. In fact, you should.

Positioning Matters

You get paid based on how you position yourself. And the way you respond to that one simple question – “What are your salary expectations?” – can add tens of thousands to your income over time.

Don’t sell yourself short.

Know your value. Ask the right questions. And back yourself.

Start with these tools that thousands of jobseekers use every week:

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