Why Employers Should Use Confidential Salary Surveys

Interviewing is time consuming and intense. A blind data survey not only assures that the process is worthwhile, it also signals fairness to candidates. Get the best talent to engage.

Payscope Team
Share:
...
Check salary requirements before scheduling the interview.

Some employers discuss salary at the end of the interview process. That way they engage a candidate and mutually evaluate the working relationship. The topic of compensation is then bought up like, "oh by the way, what number do you need?"

Other employers cut to the chase on the initial call, before they or the candidate have the chance to learn more. Often it is a screening call by a recruiter: "I'm going to need a number before we can proceed."

Is either method encouraging candidates to interview?

The first method may very well represent an enlightened employer who would like to make sure there is a good fit first and foremost. That's a great signal, but beforehand the candidate is faced with many hours of the following:

  • Research of role, company, and industry.
  • Study academic fundamentals of the field, whether arcane or commonly used in industry.
  • Technical screening calls or take-home assignments.
  • Review years of past job accomplishments and completed projects.
  • Multiple rounds of in-person interviews.

For a highly sought after and well funded employer, a candidate may well try to take a shot in the dark. For others they may question whether the effort would be worthwhile.


The second method is direct and can save everyone's time. On one hand this is efficient when there is great variation in compensation from roles to companies within the industry. On the other, many candidates feel disadvantaged when asked for salary requirements up front.

"The First Rule Is What Everyone Tells You It Is: Never Give A Number First"

Patrick McKenzie, Salary Negotiation: Make More Money, Be More Valued

Using a confidential survey can improve employer branding and candidate experience. Reach out to a larger recruiting funnel, especially since about 75% of candidates are passive candidates who need incentive to move.

Payscope gives candidates confidence that their salary requirements can be met, without having them feel disadvantaged.

Payscope is a trusted third party

Our confidential surveys allow employers to ask for salary requirements without revealing any actual figures. Employers simply see whether a candidate's expectations are within their set budget.

Candidates can feel comfortable revealing their actual salary requirements to a neutral third party, without fear of compromising their position. Their answers are kept private, and only the employer of the survey knows that they have responded.

Privacy is of critical importance to both Payscope and our partners. Employers will not reveal their budgets, nor will candidate reveal their requirements or even that they are interviewing. We do not share any actual figures or anonymized data with outside parties.

Trust is what enables us to improve the hiring process.

Win-win interviewing

Interviewing is a time consuming and intensive process for all parties. Companies have to interrupt their projects to interview each candidate, and candidates have to prepare for many hours for each company they interview with.

Payscope confidential surveys are a simple yet fair way to make hiring easier. Enjoy the benefits of efficiency and a better candidate experience.

  • Save hours of time and expenses used to interview candidates where there isn't a match.

  • Build your brand as an employer and encourage candidates to interview.

  • Reach out to candidates that are currently interviewing through job posts on Payscope.

Make your business stand out in today's fast changing world with Payscope.

Payscope Team
Share: