DePalma90's journey

Today, I found myself contemplating how to approach salary negotiations for a customer service role at a credit union. The position lists a base salary that is $4,000 higher than what I was making before my layoff. With 10 years of customer service experience, including 4 years in a technical capacity and a bachelor's degree, I feel well-qualified for this role. I'm debating whether I should ask for the top end of the salary range, which totals a $21,000 difference from the bottom to the top. I know they have the budget for it, given that they posted this salary range. However, I also recognize that many other candidates will likely be applying, some of whom may be just as qualified. I’m torn between wanting to advocate for myself and the reality that many companies typically offer salaries closer to the midpoint of their budget. I want to ensure I’m not overreaching, but I also don’t want to undersell my experience. Should I go for the top salary or stick closer to what I was making before? This is a pivotal moment for me, and I want to make the right move.