Straightforward Career Perspective (From a Recruiter Who’s Always in Your Corner)
Why Now Might Be a Good Time for a Thoughtful Reality Check—And What That Really Means
Let’s start with a little truth: the job market right now is… nuanced. It’s not quite the boom of 2021, and while hiring hasn’t stopped, the pace and priorities have shifted. That said, some candidate expectations haven’t quite evolved with the market—and that’s totally understandable. If you're currently exploring new opportunities (or even just browsing), this might be a good moment to reflect on what’s realistic, what’s flexible, and what's worth compromising.
This isn’t a critique—it’s a conversation. We're recruiters, yes, but we’re also your advocates. And being a good advocate sometimes means offering honest insights that help you shine.
Here’s what we’re seeing out there—and some thoughts on how to stay aligned and competitive in today’s landscape:
1. Let’s Talk Pay: Balancing Aspirations with Today’s Market
It’s completely fair to want your compensation to reflect your growth, experience, and cost of living—especially in today's market. But the reality is, many companies are navigating tighter budgets and leaner operations, which means comp isn’t always as inflated as it once was.
It helps to approach these conversations informed and open-minded. Company size and scope really matter—a 20-person startup likely won’t offer the same package as a publically owned global beauty brand. Likewise, compensation expectations should align with the responsibilities of the role, not just past titles or raises.
What to do: Instead of leading with your last salary + 20%, lead with your value. Highlight tangible wins, efficiencies, or innovations you’ve led—and show how they connect to business outcomes.
2. Remote Flexibility ≠ Fully Remote
We know, we know. Commuting again can feel like being thrown into a time machine. But even the most modern, forward-thinking brands are asking for some in-person presence. Culture-building, collaboration, and product touchpoints (especially in fashion and beauty) still benefit from IRL time.
Asking for hybrid is reasonable. Asking for fully remote in a role that touches product or manages a mostly on-site team that is super tough to find right now.
What to do: Be flexible where you can. If you're hybrid-curious but open to in-office a few days a week, say that. You’d be surprised how far a little “willing to collaborate” energy can go.
3. Titles Can Be Tricky—Scope Tells the Real Story
In today’s market, job titles don’t always tell the full story. We’re seeing everything from entry-level roles with lofty titles to senior ones with minimal scope. It’s created some confusion—and, sometimes, misaligned expectations.
Rather than getting too caught up in title comparisons, take a deeper look at what the role entails. Team size, budget ownership, cross-functional leadership, and visibility to decision-makers often say more about the opportunity than the title itself.
What to do: When considering a role, ask about scope, structure, and success metrics. These details provide a much clearer picture of where a role can take you.
Here’s the Big Takeaway:
The best candidates in this market are curious, adaptable, and grounded. They ask smart questions. They do their homework. And they understand that negotiation is a two-way street. If you’re open, realistic, and thoughtful about your next move, you will stand out—in the best way.
At PRTNR, we love working with people who bring that kind of energy. We’ll always advocate for you—but we’ll also give it to you straight. Because your next role should be the right one, not just the flashiest one.
