Hello,I've got a bit over 4 years consultancy experience in testing, working for a specialist testing consultancy. Started as a grad but been working at Test Manager level for the past 2 years.I've just passed the telephone interview for IBM GBS for a Test Consultant role and have the assessment day shortly.I'm looking for some advice as to what level and band I should be aiming for. My problem is that, having started on a grad salary and having the last 3 years of "recession", I'm probably quite a bit underpaid for what I do. From what I know, I think I should be aiming for a Band 7 range - does that sound about right, and if so what salary range should I be looking at - considering I'm at a low starting base for my current salary (about 35k)? Thanks.

I don't fully understand the UK IBM salary rages, so I will not comment on that. But anything below Band 7 will be an insult unless your experience is not relevant to what you will be doing at IBM. Generally, as a new grad, with good performance, you will be promoted at IBM after 2 years. (one year if exceptional - 3 years, if mediocre). Band 8 will be a stretch also as they will be hesitant to count your experience as that worthy (they tend to be a bit cheap, unless you have some sort of hot skill they want). So, to net it out, I would expect Band 7. My experience is in the non-tech consulting arm in North America though.

Of course I meant salary ranges, although I find the rages on this forum pretty funny

£35k is derisory and insulting for a test manager - many test analysts earn more, even outside London. Make sure you tell them exactly what you are looking for in a salary (min £45k) and stick to your guns. You should come in at B7 at the very minimum; senior test managers come in at B8.