You say it's deceptive, but surely anyone who is contacted in this manner can read between the lines and see it is about recruitment - what other goal would the

You say it's deceptive, but surely anyone who is contacted in this manner can read between the lines and see it is about recruitment - what other goal would the business have in mind? And as for the suggestion of making an offer up front, I feel that is jumping the gun. I'm sure the business would already have a good idea of what figure to offer, but if you discuss that before anything else I see several scenarios playing out. 1. Candidate declines. A good outcome, quick and painless 2. Candidate accepts offer. Bad situation - do you really want a candidate that doesn't try to sell themself or get a better offer? 3. The conversation is hijacked by discussing the offer and terms rather than the position. This is not productive, and the candidate has all the leverage. May or may not end with an agreement 4. After more talks you decide the candidate is not a good fit. You retract the offer, and candidate leaves with a bitter impression of the business, feeling he was lured with an impressive offer. I agree that the business could be (should be??) more upfront, however an immediate offer is not the way. Perhaps instead give a realistic ballpark and go from there.