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by itschaffey 4007 days ago
'Decent' is brilliant haha! :) Not seen that one yet. Your modus operandi, and note of caution are also spot on IMO.

Transparency (not just on salary, but role/skill expectations too) would appear to build trust. What can firms that can't offer as much do, do you think?
2 comments
dudul 4007 days ago
If you publish a job description and already know that your budget won't let you match market value I would just not mention salary at all in the ad.

Stating "competitive" while you know very well you're not is harmful in 2 ways: - candidates who know the market will be very disappointed after taking the time to interview, most likely resentful and they will spread the word - if someone actually accepts the low ball offer presented as "competitive" it means that they have no clue what the market is and you probably don't want to hire them.

You can be very upfront about it though, "salary below market value but most of our compensation package is composed of options/equity".

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itschaffey 4007 days ago
That's a reasonable assumption in all fairness. And I would agree that the other 'perks/benefits' need championing in cases where firms can't match market value (whether it be equity, healthcare, daycare, or even free beers/billiards on Fridays).
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allwein 4007 days ago
Heh, "Decent" is more likely to make me apply than "Competitive" because it shows that they know what good developers cost and are acknowledging they're not paying top rate.
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dudul 4007 days ago
I don't think "decent" is any more meaningful than "competitive". Based on my experience, "competitive" has proven to be sometimes way below market value, I don't see why "decent" would be any different.

Some companies have no clue what "competitive"/"decent" really is, some do but are just trying to find someone to milk for cheap.

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itschaffey 4007 days ago
'Decent' could have a connotation of 'good' (though that depends on the source, and the location targeted) - it's in my vernacular, but would agree, it can certainly be offputting, and a case of your second point - milking for cheap.

How might companies tackle the issues some have listed here of displaying salaries, while not deterring people (assuming they're being fair, not exploitative).

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itschaffey 4007 days ago
Mm, it does suggest value in an acknowledging way.

Any other words/phrases you've seen in your job travels/perusings haha (for better or worse)?

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