I am currently at a niche consulting firm. Last week I went through the recruitment process at a different boutique firm that I wish to move to, because the work will be significantly more interesting and have better long-term prospects. I did not go through a recruitment consultant so am handling all negotiations personally.I am expecting to receive the job offer. (I know this sounds presumptuous but bear with me)The job spec for the new role states a significantly lower salary than I am currently receiving - they are probably more-or-less aware of this. I am prepared to accept a lower salary because other aspects of the job willl make up for it.However, my question is: assuming I get the offer, how would I go about scoping out whether they can offer me more cash without souring the relationship? If I ask for a few grand more and they say no, and I then take the job anyway, will I look like a chancer? Should I state a number? Would it be legitimate for me to say "I am overqualified for this role - is there any chance you can adjust the salary for me?".All comments appreciated.

As you wrote you can only ask one sentence:"My current salary - as you already know - is XXX. Do you see any chance you can adjust it towards this amount. If not now, how do future prospects for me look like?"

If they know what you are on, any offer will be at the top end of what they can offer for the role, but bear in mind - especially with a boutique - there are no clear salary scales, so they should be able to find a few extra K in the budget if you push for it. Best advice with a boutique is to be frank, honest and open with them - they have more room to negotiate than a bigger firm. There may be room for a sign on bonus or to guarantee part of your annual bonus etc, so talk to them about the options when you have the offer.