If you've ever applied for a job and wondered, “Why didn't they just tell us the salary?”, you're not alone.
There are several reasons companies leave salary information out of job adverts, and understanding them can help both candidates and employers navigate the hiring process better.
A few weeks ago, I shared a post about a candidate who applied for a junior role but requested a senior-level salary, and I was dragged bitterly. 😂
The conversation that followed showed that many people could relate to the situation.
But one question kept coming up:
“Why don't companies include salary in job adverts?”
First, there is no general rule in Nigeria stopping companies from including salary information in job adverts.
However, some organizations choose not to for different reasons.
For example:
📌 They may have an internal policy against publishing salaries publicly.
📌 The final salary may depend on the candidate's experience, skills or qualifications.
📌 The hiring budget may still be under discussion.
📌 They may want flexibility during salary negotiations.
📌 Some employers worry that publishing the salary could lead to comparisons among employees.
📌 Some companies may not want competitors to know their compensation structure.
That said, salary transparency is becoming more common.
Including a salary range can help candidates decide whether a role is financially suitable before applying.
It can also reduce misunderstandings and make salary negotiations easier.
But candidates also have a responsibility.
Before stating your salary expectation, research the market.
Understand the level of the role, the industry, your experience and what similar positions are paying.
Asking for a good salary isn't wrong.
But requesting senior-level compensation for a junior position without understanding the market can make an employer lose interest early in the process.
At the end of the day, transparency benefits both sides.
Employers: Where possible, consider including a salary range in your job adverts.
Candidates: Do your research before stating your expectations.
A little transparency can save everyone time and make the hiring process better.
