Is anyone else tired of the sort of ego (using this loosely) that the current market has given candidates? You want $150k as a base with only 1.5 years of experience? Come on now.

I just spoke with a candidate this week that is currently at $77k base and said they are looking for $125k base 🤦🏼‍♀️. 2 years of exp and when I asked where they came up with that number he said “the market is hot” LOL no backing up himself or what he brings to the table.

Whenever I say what I’m looking for, I always start with “I understand compensation is more than just salary”. I am always negotiable on rate and let the interviewer know that things like location, position title, etc. affect what I’m looking for. I provide a broad range and state that I am negotiable, again. I’m currently in Milwaukee as a recruiter. If a job wants me to relocate to say San Francisco, without providing relocation, I’m going to ask for more money. If I was relocating to Chicago, the salary I’m looking for is less than San Fran; but more than Milwaukee. I try to be very reasonable almost to my detriment at time. But, I have no idea where someone with less than 3 years of experience is asking for six figures when they are just out of school. There is livable wage and then there is ridiculous. I’ve been a recruiter since 2015, graduated in 13, and I am still only asking for 80-100+k based on travel/relocation, job title, cost of living, etc. An employer could get me down to 70-75k but the benefits and 401k plan have to be amazing!

Unfortunately, we are reaping the rewards of a system that disreprected candidates for decades. There is no trust, it just be rebuilt and it will take time.

I find it the most frustrating thing, the sense of entitlement that candidates have especially straight out of school demanding excessive salaries, plus every benefit under the sun and yet they come to the table with no real world experience or accomplishments to justify any of it. I am desperately hoping for the market to recalibrate because it’s wildly toxic right now and I know all the recruiters in my team feel the same so you’re not alone!

That is excessive but I look it at from a different POV. The requirements and offers do not align and the market is ridiculous. People are trying to survive and we can’t do that with an offer of $60k for 5 years of experience and a degree.

I think it will be easier on everyone when job postings have the salary range. And if the least experienced person (in terms of years of service) is the most competent, it will be fair to pay them based on that. Bottom line, if the candidate is worth it, pay them for it

My favorite is the undergrad that countered our internship offer of $30/hr + housing stipend with $75/hr.

Absolutely. That and why do people with an MBA feel they are worth so much more? The schools are doing a big disservice by misleading students with this info.

Normally I would advocate for people asking for and getting what they want but lately it’s been out of control! I agree with the other comments, it’s the entitlement of candidates with zero experience asking for the moon that drives me insane.

Absolutely. What these people don't realize is that these inflated numbers are unsustainable.. They will be the first ones getting axed when the market balances itself out.

100%!!! I recruit for early career roles and I keep encountering folks, who have yet to graduate, expecting a salary of 80K. 🫠

I HATE when candidates think they have any real life experience after going from undergrad to masters… you are entry level. Nothing more. Im not the one supposed to pay off your masters. And catch you up to what you would have made. Stop.

100% one of the reasons i am getting burnt out on recruiting. a mix of this and everyone wanting to be remote 🫠

Absolutely. I've always been an advocate for candidates but it is honestly ridiculous at this point. I've been having a lot of those conversations with 5 year experienced candidates who want$200k or more total comp.

I spoke to a SWE from Roblox with NINE MONTHS of exp (‘21 grad) and he said he’s already making over $200k total comp and only wanted to be considered for Senior roles

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2022/05/05/college-grads-salary-expectations/9656696002/

Interesting read on college grads and their inflated salary expectations. My favorite is the discrepancy from the journalism majors!

We had the discussion of it almost comes across that the candidates feel entitled to your time..

Kinda like 19year olds out of high school demanding 24 an hour plus tuition, medical and 401k to push carts at target

I had a guy agree to a pay rate of $50/hr which was beyond generous for his 2 years of experience. He then said he wanted $60/hr so we sent him a new offer. He responded $65/hr and he will accept. Guess who never heard back from us? Lol

Someone said to me yesterday that they did not want to sell themselves short and stated that their salary requirement was double of what was being offered.