Negotiating Salaries

Candidates should know their worth and make sure they can form the arguments that will justify their desired salary. Pay scales for similar-sounding job titles can vary widely between companies. Spending some time researching the market can help prepare for that trickiest of candidate/employer conversations.

  • Search out specialist financial services recruitment companies. They often conduct reports on salaries at various levels within the sector
  • Alternatively, check out financial services’ professional organisations and trade associations who may publish similar reports
  • Better still, approach friendly colleagues at other companies who may be willing to discuss salary expectations and job titles
  • Looking at job advertisements in financial services publications will also provide helpful and realistic salary guides
  • Ultimately, recruitment consultants should give the most accurate idea of market supply and demand and the kinds of benefits that can be expected. Their advice will always be to leave discussions about salary to the final interview, having already proved value and commitment.

    It's important to look at salary as part of a bigger picture, incorporating career development opportunities, annual leave entitlement, car allowance, health and pension schemes, educational support and flexible working.


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