Let’s be honest. When someone clicks on a job advert, what’s the first thing they scan for? It’s not always the company name. It’s not always the job title. It’s the salary.
And yet, so many ads still skip it entirely.
At Keen People, we get it. There are reasons why companies hesitate:
- What if the salary looks low compared to competitors?
- What if it limits flexibility in negotiation?
- What if it sparks internal comparison?
Valid concerns. But here’s the truth: not always including a salary could be doing more harm than good, especially when it comes to attracting top talent in cybersecurity, tech, and engineering.
Candidates Expect Transparency
We speak to professionals every day who tell us the same thing:
“If there’s no salary listed, I just keep scrolling.”
Why? Because in a competitive market, time is precious, for both candidates and employers. No one wants to go through three interviews just to find out the offer doesn’t match expectations. By including a clear salary (or at least a range), you’re:
Respecting candidates’ time
Showing confidence in the value of your role
Building trust from the very first interaction
The Data Backs It Up
Job ads with salary details get up to 30% more applications. They also tend to perform better on job boards and attract more qualified candidates from the start. That means fewer mismatches and a faster hiring process. And when you’re in fast-paced sectors like cyber or AI, speed matters.
What If You’re Worried About Negotiation?
A salary range gives you breathing room. You can reflect progression, experience levels, or performance-based increases without locking into a single number.
Pro tip:
Pair the range with a short sentence like:
“We’re open to discussing packages based on experience and impact.”
That invites conversation without losing transparency.
What It Says About Your Brand
Candidates notice what you say and what you don’t. An ad with no salary can send the message that the company is vague, old-school, or not confident in its offer. On the flip side, a salary-listed ad says:
“We know the market.”
“We respect your time.”
“We value fair compensation.”
So, Should You Include Salary in Your Ads?
Our take? Absolutely. Even if it feels uncomfortable at first, the benefits outweigh the fear. Especially in niche hiring spaces like cybersecurity and deep tech, where transparency isn’t just appreciated, it’s expected. And if you’re unsure what a competitive salary looks like for your role, that’s where we come in. We’ll give you honest, up-to-date market insights so you can advertise with confidence and attract the right people for the right reasons.
Hiring? Let’s talk.
We’re here to help you craft clear, compelling job ads that get real results.