Are job adverts without salaries doing more harm than good?

The question of whether salary information should be included in job adverts has long sparked debate among recruiters and hiring managers.

Recently, I conducted a poll across various social media platforms to better understand public opinion on this contentious issue. The results were eye-opening, providing clear insights into what job seekers and industry professionals truly value.

When job seekers browse through job postings, one detail often stands out or is noticeably missing: the salary. To understand how this omission impacts candidates' decisions, I conducted a poll asking a direct question:

"Would You Apply for a Job Role if the Salary wasn’t Advertised on the Advert?"

The results reveal some interesting insights into candidate behaviour and preferences.

The Poll Results

Here’s how respondents across different platforms answered:

• LinkedIn - Personal Page: Out of 333 participants, 33% said "Yes," they would still apply, while 67% said "No."
• LinkedIn - Chappell Enterprises UK Page: Among 18 voters, only 11% would apply, with 89% opting not to.
• LinkedIn - Verdant Careers Page: Of 10 respondents, 30% answered "Yes," while 70% said "No."
• Facebook - Groundsmen Group: Out of 116 votes, 14% would apply without salary details, whereas 86% would not.
• Facebook - Greenkeeping Group: With 264 votes, 30% said "Yes," they’d apply, while 70% said "No."
• TOTAL VOTES: Across the social media platforms, LinkedIn and Facebook, I had 980 respondents, where a massive 72% of people said they wouldn’t apply for a job where the salary WAS NOT advertised!

What the Results Tell Us

The data highlights a clear reluctance among job seekers to apply for roles that lack transparency in salary. This raises several questions for employers and recruiters:

1. Are We Losing Talent? Many potential candidates may bypass opportunities simply because they don't have the full picture of what’s being offered.

2. Trust and Transparency: Salary omission might be interpreted as a lack of openness, potentially deterring skilled professionals.

3. The Role of Clarity: Clear expectations are a cornerstone of effective recruitment. Missing salary details could be seen as a red flag for some candidates. 

Why Candidates Care About Salary Transparency

The preference for salary disclosure isn’t surprising, considering the following factors:

• Efficiency: Candidates save time by focusing only on jobs that align with their financial needs and expectations.
• Trust: Transparency signals honesty and fairness, boosting employer reputation.
• Motivation: Knowing the potential reward helps candidates assess whether the role is worth their time and effort.

What Should Employers Do?

While employers may have valid reasons for not advertising salaries, such as flexibility in negotiations or fear of limiting their candidate pool, these results suggest that such practices might be counterproductive.

To strike a balance, consider including salary ranges in adverts. This approach:

• Attracts more interest from candidates.
• Reduces the risk of wasted applications.
• Enhances your brand as an employer of choice.

Moving Forward

The results of this poll underline a growing demand for transparency in job advertising. As the recruitment landscape evolves, addressing candidates’ expectations will be critical to attracting the best talent.