30/06/2026
Managing salary expectations is part of every recruiter’s daily reality - especially when working on junior and mid-level roles, where it can often be one of the most challenging aspects of the job.
But perhaps it’s time to rethink how we approach it.
Instead of framing it as “pushing candidates to lower their expectations,” it’s more productive to see it as expectation management.
The harder you push, the more resistance you create. But when you take the time to analyze the market, guide candidates through the realities, and help them calibrate their expectations, the conversation becomes far more constructive.
Good recruitment isn’t about suppressing expectations - it’s about aligning them with reality.
That’s where real trust is built, and where true win-win outcomes happen.
