If You Want to Hire Real Talent, You’ll Have to Pay for It

Honestly, I am gobsmacked by job or contract postings that often list hefty talent demands, yet don’t reference any compensation information at all. When compensation is actually presented, the numbers rarely jibe with the level of requisite expertise and experience.

If you really want the kind of talent and skills you say you do — then you’d better be prepared to pay for them.

Ads With No Compensation Noted

It is truly remarkable that the companies with the most stringent expectations for a position or project are also the least inclined to provide any indication of the position’s value. Seriously, why would any truly talented individual consider answering such an ad?

Here’s the thing. If you do not include at least a range of dollar value for the position, your prospects will immediately assume it’s nowhere near what the job or project is worth. You thereby alienate the very people you seek, the very people you need.

Loss of Credibility

When your company fails to include any reference to compensation, you are basically sabotaging its good name. You lose credibility.

The second, less direct hit to credibility comes if your best prospects go out of their way to avoid doing any business with your company in the future. You might want to consider the fact that job/freelance candidates may also be influencers within your industry.

BOTTOM LINE: You disrespect your prospects by demonstrating high expectations sans quid pro quo.

Just as Bad: Insultingly Low Compensation Offerings

When it comes to writing opportunities, for example, it is nearly laughable to see hourly rate offerings of $10 — $15 per hour. Worse yet are posts for freelance article writers to the tune of $25 per article, or less. People, you will get what you pay for…and ultimately your company will pay a much higher price.

I personally see examples of cheap writing every day, throughout the day, from global brands and high-profile publications. My daily Twitter feed alone is full of examples.

When basic spelling and grammar, let alone exemplary writing no longer matter, how can I take that business seriously?

BOTTOM LINE: Cheap Writing = Loss of Company Credibility

When it comes to talent searches, there are two rational approaches you can take regarding compensation. Either is a means to protect the investment you’ve made in your company’s brand. One: Adjust the compensation to match your expectations, and share it with prospective candidates upfront. Two: Adjust your expectations to align with the offered compensation.