Closing the Trust Gap: A Strategic Approach to Hiring Senior Engineers

Are you in the process of hiring a senior engineer and contemplating the salary offer?

Perhaps you've set a base figure of $150,000, but you're open to going higher for the ideal candidate. In this scenario, the challenge lies in conveying your willingness to pay more without revealing the exact amount. This gap between what you're comfortable offering and what you're willing to pay for the perfect fit is what we call the Trust Gap.

"Determining the perfect fit for a position is not always straightforward, and not every candidate may warrant the top offer."

You might wonder, why not just disclose that you're willing to pay $180,000 for the role? The answer is rooted in uncertainty. Determining the perfect fit for a position is not always straightforward, and not every candidate may warrant the top offer. It's essential to evaluate their performance and compatibility first. This is where the dilemma arises. Your job listing reflects your comfort zone, but you risk missing out on exceptional candidates who might expect a higher figure. To bridge this Trust Gap effectively, consider taking a fractional approach. Instead of revealing your maximum offer upfront, work with the candidate on a trial basis. Assess their skills, collaboration, and overall fit with your team. By doing so, you gain insights into whether they truly deserve the top offer.

This approach allows you to make the best possible offer to a candidate who has already proven their capabilities during the fractional engagement.

It's a strategic way to close the Trust Gap and ensure that you secure the right person for the job. While perfection may not always be achievable, this method increases the likelihood of finding a candidate who aligns with your expectations. From the candidate's perspective, it also makes the job more appealing. If they perceive their value as $180,000, they are more likely to engage positively with your offer, knowing they've demonstrated their worth during the trial period.

"If you're still searching for the ideal method without involving candidates in the process, consider taking a fractional approach."

Closing the Trust Gap is not a magic trick but a systematic approach to enhancing the quality of your hiring outcomes. If you're still searching for the ideal method without involving candidates in the process, consider taking a fractional approach. By working with the person first, you gain valuable insights to make informed and competitive offers to secure the best candidates for your team.