Stop Salary Guessing: Why Transparency Is Key in Recruitment Conversations

Job seekers often face a frustrating and unfair challenge during the hiring process: guessing the salary range without any guidance. When companies do not list salary information but ask candidates for their expectations, they force applicants to take a blind shot. This guessing game can lead to missed opportunities, wasted time, and unnecessary stress for everyone involved. It is time to stop making candidates play salary Russian roulette and start embracing transparency in recruitment conversations.

Recruitment process showing unclear salary expectations

The Problem with Salary Guessing

Many candidates have a salary range in mind: a dream number, a minimum acceptable amount, and a middle ground. When recruiters ask for salary expectations without providing their own range, candidates face three risky choices:

• Aim high: They risk rejection if their expectation exceeds the employer’s budget.

• Aim low: They may undersell themselves and accept less than they deserve.

• Aim in the middle: They cross their fingers, hoping their guess aligns with the employer’s offer.

  
  

This guessing game wastes time for both parties. Candidates may get rejected simply for guessing “wrong,” while employers miss out on qualified talent who might have accepted a fair offer if they had known the range upfront.

Why Transparency Benefits Everyone

Sharing salary ranges early in the hiring process creates a foundation of trust and respect. Here’s why transparency matters:

• Saves time: Candidates self-select based on salary fit, reducing unnecessary interviews.

• Builds trust: Open communication signals respect for candidates’ time and effort.

• Improves candidate experience: Clear expectations reduce anxiety and frustration.

• Attracts better talent: Candidates who know the range can focus on roles that truly match their needs.

• Facilitates honest conversations: Recruiters and candidates can discuss compensation openly and find common ground.

  
  

How Recruiters Can Change the Game

Recruiters hold the key to ending salary guessing. Here are practical steps to improve transparency:

• List salary ranges in job ads: Even a broad range helps candidates decide if the role fits their expectations.

• Be upfront about lowball offers: If the budget is limited, say so early to avoid wasting time.

• Discuss salary early: When a candidate’s experience matches the role, share the range before asking for their expectations.

• Compare expectations openly: Let candidates decide if the offer works for them.

• Encourage honest dialogue: Create a safe space for candidates to ask questions about compensation.

  
  

Examples of Transparent Salary Practices

Some companies have embraced salary transparency with positive results:

• Buffer: Publishes salary formulas and ranges openly, attracting candidates who appreciate honesty.

• Whole Foods: Lists salary ranges in job postings, reducing guesswork and improving candidate fit.

• GitLab: Shares compensation policies and ranges publicly, fostering trust and clarity.

  
  

These examples show that transparency is not only possible but also beneficial for recruitment success.

What Candidates Can Do

While the onus is on recruiters to be transparent, candidates can also take steps to protect themselves:

• Research market rates: Use websites like Glassdoor, Payscale, or industry reports to understand typical salaries.

• Ask for salary ranges early: Politely request the employer’s range before sharing your expectations.

• Be clear about your minimum: Know your bottom line and communicate it confidently.

• Avoid undervaluing yourself: Don’t lowball just to get an interview; it may backfire later.

• Seek feedback: If rejected for salary reasons, ask for constructive feedback to improve future negotiations.

  
  

Building a Supportive Hiring Community

Recruitment is a two-way street. Candidates and recruiters alike benefit from mutual respect and openness. By lifting each other up and fostering honest conversations, the hiring process becomes more efficient and less stressful.

Employers who share salary ranges demonstrate respect for candidates’ time and effort. Candidates who communicate clearly about their expectations help recruiters find the best fit faster. Together, this creates a stronger, more transparent hiring community.