Salary on the first call. Always. Not at offer. Not "later in the process." Firs

By Lorenabugden · October 2, 2026 · Curated by George's Blog

Salary on the first call. Always.

Not at offer. Not "later in the process." First call or before the first call.

Because we've all seen it: three or four rounds, a task, a panel, everyone buzzing… then the number's £15k off and it all falls apart

Weeks wasted. Shortlist gone. Nobody wins.

That's not bad luck. That's a bad process.

So I share the range upfront. I ask what they are looking for. If we're miles apart, we both get our time back.

Candidates: if a recruiter won't give you the range, ask. If they still won't, that's your answer.

Money shouldn't be a taboo topic. It's why we all show up.

First call or later: when do you talk salary?