A mid-level data analytics candidate applied to a Fortune 500 company and sailed through three interview rounds plus a take-home project. The feedback was positive throughout. But every time they asked about compensation, the answer shape-shifted.
Round one, the recruiter: "We're still benchmarking." Round two, the hiring manager: "Let's make sure you're a fit first." Round three, the panel lead: "HR owns that conversation." By the fourth round -- a panel with a Director and VP -- the candidate tried once more. The VP's reply: "Salary is confidential until the offer stage."
The candidate thanked them for their time, explained that after four rounds and a project they should not still be guessing at the pay band, and ended the call. The Reddit post that followed captured the sentiment in one line: "The longer you dance, the harder it is to walk away. And they know it."
The comments section filled with people who had been through the same loop -- six rounds, eight rounds, ten rounds -- all to eventually learn the salary was half what they currently made. Several hiring managers weighed in to say they always disclose range by the first call and that any company refusing is hiding something.