If you’re receiving job offers that are 30-40% below your last drawn salary, it’s not you. It’s how the system is operating right now.

Over the past quarter, I’ve worked with multiple mid to senior professionals who are doing everything right: networking, tailoring their CVs, preparing for interviews. Yet when the offer lands, it undercuts them. And often, there’s no conversation. Just a number.

Here’s what’s happening:

• Companies are operating in “quiet budget” mode. Roles are backfilled without adjusting for inflation, skill upgrades, or value added.
• There’s more supply than demand in many white-collar roles right now, and some firms take advantage.
• Automated screening systems push experienced professionals into lower salary brackets based on outdated title-keyword mapping.

What you can do differently:

1. Anchor your value early. During the first conversation with the recruiter, talk range. Let them know where you’re placed and why.
2. Quantify your contribution. Go beyond roles and responsibilities. Show impact in terms of cost saved, time reduced, systems built, or scale achieved.
3. Stay market-aware. Speak to peers. Use verified salary benchmarks. Get a reality check before negotiating.
4. Reframe negotiation. Instead of “I want more,” try “Here’s the market value for what I bring. Can we align?”

Closing Thought: You don’t need to be aggressive to stand your ground. But you do need to be specific, informed, and clear on what you bring. Don’t accept less because the market is short on imagination.