I'm often met with questions from interviewing candidates about why the salary range can't be better, and I get it. If I were in their position, I'd have the same concerns about how little is being paid for so many job expectations. How do you best answer such questions? In all honesty, I'm with them, so I don't feel like I have a very honest answer.

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I completely understand where both you and the candidates are coming from, salary expectations and job demands often feel mismatched. When candidates ask, I try to be transparent about how the salary range is determined by factors like market data, budget constraints, and internal equity. I also emphasize the full compensation package, including benefits, growth opportunities, and company culture. It’s okay to acknowledge that the pay might not be perfect, but sharing what the company offers beyond salary can help.

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There are numerous factors that impact pay: market for equivalent positions, industry practices (think competitors), individual performance, performance relative to others throughout the company and the company’s ability to pay, to name a few. Can you think of other factors? Asking candidates the source of their market data and engaging in a discussion about the merits of their data relative to the factors companies consider is any eye-opening experience.

The simple answer to that question would be that it's just how the job market operates, and current conditions tend to drive salaries downward. And to be honest, I'd wonder about someone asking that, as it seems like a naive thing to be asking. In any event, we can talk about the salary, but it's enough to say that's what the offer is. No need to justify it.

That's one of the difficult things about being in human resources. Even when we empathize with the employees or the candidates, we still have to abide by what the company has set forth. You can be kind and polite, but firm about the pay and the nicest thing you can do is be honest and realistic about what the company has to offer.

Does your company have great benefits? or growth opportunities? Maybe those factors can be highlighted.

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