The Salary Secret: Why Transparency in Job Ads Matters More Than Ever

Last week, we ran a survey asking respondents whether they would apply for a job without knowing the salary on offer. Our survey showed that a significant 61% of professionals would need to know the salary range before applying for a job.

Moreover, 28% of respondents revealed that their decision to apply for a role without a listed salary depends heavily on the position. We run this survey each year, and each year, the responses highlight a critical aspect of job advertising that many still overlook.

The Importance of Salary Transparency

Why is salary transparency so important for job seekers and employers in 2024? (we know that recruiters often don’t set this policy, so hopefully, you can use the below to persuade those that do)

Attracting the Right Talent

By including salary information in job ads, employers can attract candidates who are genuinely interested in the role and who fit the salary range offered. We heard from a number of people who had wasted their time over the years applying for roles that didn’t offer anything close to what they were looking for!

From an employer’s point of view, it means you are less likely to waste time or resources on candidates whose salary expectations don’t align with what you can offer.

Reducing Time and Costs

A clear salary range can streamline the hiring process. When candidates know upfront what to expect financially, it reduces the chances of prolonged negotiations and potential disappointments later on. This not only saves time for HR teams but also ensures that recruitment efforts are more focused and efficient.

Building Trust and Transparency

Incorporating salary information into job postings fosters a culture of openness and trust. It signals to prospective employees that the organisation values transparency and respects their time.

Trust is often a key value of businesses and organisations, but even they don’t advertise the salary on offer.

Understanding the “Why” Behind the Survey Results

The survey results reveal that nearly a third of professionals are willing to consider roles without a listed salary, but only if the position aligns well with their career goals and aspirations. This underscores the need for job ads to balance what is being offered and what is expected.

For employers, this means crafting job advertisements that clearly articulate:

• The Salary Range: Providing a range can help potential applicants assess whether the compensation aligns with their expectations.
• Role Responsibilities: Clear descriptions of job duties and expectations help candidates understand if they are a good fit for the position.
• Growth Opportunities: Highlighting opportunities for advancement and professional development can make a role more appealing even if the salary range is not immediately disclosed.

Best Practices for Job Advertisements

To leverage the insights from the survey and improve your job ads, consider the following best practices:

1. Include Salary Information: Where possible, include a salary range to set clear expectations from the start. This can be a broad range if necessary, but it’s better than no information at all.
2. Highlight Key Benefits: In addition to salary, outline other benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and flexible working arrangements.
3. Be Specific About the Role: Provide detailed information about job responsibilities, required skills, and qualifications to attract the right candidates.
4. Communicate Career Growth: Emphasise opportunities for professional development and career progression within the company.
5. Showcase Company Culture: Give potential applicants a glimpse into your company culture and values, which can be as important as salary for many job seekers.

I am sure we will be running the same survey in 2025, but it feels like we have reached a crucial shift in how job seekers approach the application process. By being transparent about salary and other key details, employers can attract the right candidates, streamline the hiring process, and build a reputation for openness and integrity. In a world where clarity is highly valued, make sure your job ads reflect not just what you’re looking for, but also what you’re offering.

Do you advertise your salaries? Do you apply for roles without a salary?

View our survey here.

#JobAdvertising #SalaryTransparency #Recruitment #Hiring #ProfessionalGrowth