I’ve actually tried this before, under the notion that I’d get a higher chance of landing the job relative to other applicants. I wouldn’t do it again—I’m pretty sure the real outcome is that I lowered my perceived value. Signalling!
Now that I phrase it in light of game theory though—if it had worked, it would be a neat demonstration of how two super-rational players win out over game-theoretically rational players. What I describe is also how the free market is supposed to work—my benefit in “cooperating” derives from cutting the competition out of the trade by offering a better deal.
It looks like there’s no incentive for them to post an honest salary range, and there’s no incentive for you, having been told the salary range, to be honest about what you think you are worth.
It’s not defecting, just making a choice that is strictly nonbeneficial for the other party.
I’ve actually tried this before, under the notion that I’d get a higher chance of landing the job relative to other applicants. I wouldn’t do it again—I’m pretty sure the real outcome is that I lowered my perceived value. Signalling!
Now that I phrase it in light of game theory though—if it had worked, it would be a neat demonstration of how two super-rational players win out over game-theoretically rational players. What I describe is also how the free market is supposed to work—my benefit in “cooperating” derives from cutting the competition out of the trade by offering a better deal.
It looks like there’s no incentive for them to post an honest salary range, and there’s no incentive for you, having been told the salary range, to be honest about what you think you are worth.
It’s not defecting, just making a choice that is strictly nonbeneficial for the other party.