The myth
“Recruiters are incentivized to lowball every candidate so the company saves money.”
The bust
Corporate recruiters are measured on fills, accept rates, time-to-fill, and not blowing internal equity. A lowball that kills the deal makes them look bad. Agency recruiters often earn more when the package closes higher. The constraint is usually the approved band, not a sadistic discount contest.
What feels like a lowball is often: - Mid-band placement for the leveled scope - Location differential the posting buried - A survey vintage behind your personal market - Fear of breaking equity with current employees
What to do instead
Get the hiring range in screen one. Argue scope and comparable offers. Counter once with a clear number. If the band cannot move, believe it and decide.
Verdict: Mostly myth. Tight budgets are real. Personal lowball incentives are usually not.