Is your job advert accidentally costing you great candidates?

Asks Jane Hatton in her latest thought leadership blog.

Too often, we still see the word “Competitive” where a clear salary should be.
But what does “competitive” actually mean? To candidates across the world: very little.

Around the globe, organisations, universities, and governments are increasingly encouraging, or requiring, salary transparency. At Evenbreak, we strongly advocate for it. Why? Because transparency isn’t radical anymore. It’s basic good practice that supports fairer, more inclusive hiring everywhere.

Here’s what we know internationally:

1. Job seekers in many countries are less likely to apply when the salary isn’t shown.
2. Global research consistently shows that salary transparency attracts more relevant applications.
3. Many regions are linking transparency to progress in reducing gender and disability pay gaps.
4. With job titles and responsibilities varying widely across markets, clear pay ranges help candidates understand expectations and seniority without guesswork.

And here’s the inclusion angle we don’t talk about enough!

For disabled candidates worldwide, hidden pay is a major barrier. Negotiation isn’t equally accessible in every culture or context. And with varying costs of living and working, guessing the salary is risky. Leading many talented people to self-exclude before they even apply.

Publishing a clear salary (or realistic band):

1. Saves time for both candidates and hiring teams
2. Increases engagement from suitable applicants
3. Builds trust across cultures and regions
4. Strengthens equity and fairness
5. Enhances your global employer brand

If you’re serious about inclusive hiring, stop hiding pay.
Make transparency your default, wherever you’re hiring in the world.

Suggestion:

Take 5 minutes today to review your live job adverts.

If any say “competitive”, replace it with a clear salary or salary band, and watch your candidate engagement improve across global markets.

Another of Jane’s blogs that you might be interested in “AI for the Experienced Professional: Why lived experience of disability is the key to success.”