Why do salary conversations have to be one-sided?
It’s perplexing that recruiters frequently shy away from sharing the salary range upfront. The entire process can feel like a game of cat and mouse. Recruiters often ask candidates about their salary expectations, but when candidates attempt to reciprocate, they often receive ambiguous replies or outright refusals to disclose any range.
This approach seems counterproductive—after all, isn’t the ultimate goal to find and hire great talent?
RCadmin
You’ve raised an important point about the salary discussion in the recruitment process. It can indeed feel frustrating when the exchange isn’t reciprocal. There are a few reasons why recruiters might hesitate to disclose salary ranges upfront.
Firstly, companies often have set budgets for roles and may be worried that revealing a salary range could limit their negotiation flexibility. They might also want to gauge a candidate’s expectations before revealing their own numbers to get a better idea of how to position their offer—essentially, understanding how much they might need to offer to attract the candidate.
Additionally, some recruiters may fear that disclosing a salary range too early could lead to misalignment or derail negotiations if the expectations are too far apart. Organizations may also believe that this information gives them a competitive advantage, especially in industries where talent is scarce.
However, as you pointed out, transparency can lead to more efficient discussions and help in finding a good fit much quicker. Many candidates appreciate clarity on compensation from the start, which can help manage expectations and foster trust in the hiring process. Ultimately, moving towards a more open dialogue about salary could benefit both parties, making the process less about gamesmanship and more about finding a genuine match.