The Truth About Why Some Employers Don’t Include Salary On Job Ads

Every job seeker’s burning question answered.

By Aqilah Naqlis on 2023-11-27 at 7:12 AM

Updated on 2025-01-28 at 5:56 AM

If you’ve ever scrolled through job ads and found no mention of salary, you’re not alone.

It’s a common frustration for job seekers in Malaysia, often leading to questions about an employer’s transparency or intentions. Why do some companies choose not to disclose this vital information? Is it about negotiating the lowest possible offer, or is there more to it?

While it’s natural to want clarity upfront, there are multiple reasons behind this practice. Understanding these can help you navigate your job search and ensure you’re compensated fairly.

Why Employers Leave Salary Off Job Ads

1. Flexibility in Hiring

Employers may prefer to keep salary details flexible, especially if they’re open to candidates with varying levels of experience. For instance, a company may offer RM4,000 for a junior role but be willing to go up to RM6,000 for someone with more advanced skills. By not specifying a salary, they can adapt to the right candidate without being constrained by a fixed figure.

2. Competitive Advantage

In competitive industries, companies might refrain from listing salaries to avoid being outbid by competitors. Publicly advertising pay ranges could lead to talent poaching or salary wars that disrupt the hiring process.

3. Encouraging Genuine Interest

Some employers believe that leaving out the salary weeds out candidates who are solely motivated by money. They hope to attract applicants genuinely interested in the role, company, and career growth opportunities.

4. Internal Equity and Confidentiality

Disclosing salary ranges in job ads can sometimes lead to internal conflicts among existing employees. To maintain harmony and confidentiality, companies might choose to discuss compensation only with shortlisted candidates.

How to Handle Job Ads Without Salary Information

While it’s frustrating, there are strategies to navigate this situation:

1. Do Your Research

Before applying, research industry standards for the role. Use platforms like Hiredly to get an idea of what similar positions offer in Malaysia.

2. Be Transparent in Interviews

If you’re invited for an interview, don’t hesitate to ask about the salary range. Frame it professionally by saying:
“Could you share the expected salary range for this role to ensure it aligns with my expectations?”

3. Know Your Worth

Always have a clear understanding of your skills, experience, and the value you bring to a company. This confidence will help you negotiate effectively if the salary discussion arises.

What to Do If the Offer Doesn’t Meet Your Expectations

If you find yourself receiving a lowball offer, here’s how to handle it gracefully:

Negotiate Politely: Explain your reasoning for expecting higher pay by citing industry benchmarks and your qualifications.
Consider Non-Monetary Benefits: If the salary is non-negotiable, evaluate other perks like flexible hours, professional development opportunities, or extra leave.
Leave the Door Open: If you decide to decline the offer, do so respectfully. Express your gratitude for the opportunity and let them know you’d be open to future roles better aligned with your expectations.

Learn more about how to negotiate salaries effectively in our salary negotiation guide.

Job hunting can be challenging, especially when salary transparency is lacking. But with the right approach, you can navigate these obstacles and secure a role that values your worth.

Looking for a job that aligns with your career goals? Join Hiredly’s Young Leaders Community for networking opportunities and insider advice on landing your dream job. Ready to take your professional growth to the next level? Discover your unique strengths and career fit with our Work Personality Test.

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