The Salary Transparency Debate: What Job Seekers Really Want in Australia

The Great Salary Divide in Job Ads

Employers often craft job ads with great care to attract top talent, but there's one critical piece of information many leave out: the salary. A recent survey by Indeed reveals that 72% of job seekers consider unclear salaries their top complaint when applying for roles.

Why Salary Transparency Matters

• 86% of candidates believe companies miss out on great talent by not disclosing salaries upfront.
• 97% of job seekers use salary information to decide whether to apply for a role.
• 96% say it saves time by avoiding unsuitable roles.

The Global Shift Towards Transparency

Countries like Canada are leading the charge with new pay transparency laws. For instance, Ontario now requires job postings to include salary ranges, with caps to ensure fairness.

"Many businesses avoid listing salaries to stay competitive or leave room for negotiation," says Emma Sestic, HR recruiter at Robert Half. "But candidates increasingly expect transparency."

The Internal Challenge for Employers

Pay transparency can reveal disparities between current employees and new hires, posing a challenge for employers to manage internal equity.

The Cost of Hidden Salaries

Professor Carol Kulik from the University of South Australia highlights the hidden costs of not disclosing salaries:

• Wasted resources on candidates who decline offers due to mismatched salary expectations.
• Reputational risks when applicants feel misled, affecting future recruitment efforts.

Streamlining the Hiring Process

Kulik also points out that overly bureaucratic hiring processes deter candidates. Simplifying applications can enhance the candidate experience and align expectations from the start.

Maintaining a Strong Employer Brand

Every interaction during recruitment shapes your employer brand. Transparent communication about salaries can build trust and attract the right talent.