My other comment here was cheeky, but I think what happens is the following: Applicant A has the precise set of skills Business B needs desperately at that mom

My other comment here was cheeky, but I think what happens is the following: Applicant A has the precise set of skills Business B needs desperately at that moment. Business B is willing to pay whatever needed to get Applicant A ASAP (because they are growing quickly, or in crisis, or just need that role filled fast). This is normally what causes salary bumps in job switches... because A would not accept an offer if it _wasn't_ substantially above what they make now.