When advertising roles on the STEP Jobs Board, clarity is key. Yet increasingly, firms are choosing not to include salary details in their listings. While this may seem like a minor omission, it can significantly limit the effectiveness of a job advert and reduce the quality and number of applicants – particularly when trying to attract experienced trust and estate practitioners, such as TEPs.

Candidates expect transparency

Salary transparency is no longer a nice-to-have – it’s an expectation. TEPs and other qualified professionals are highly specialised and in demand, and they want to know if a role aligns not just with their skills and career goals but also with their financial expectations. When an advert omits the salary range, it creates an immediate barrier. Experienced candidates may assume the role is underpaid or simply not worth the time to explore further – especially in such a technical and competitive field.

Save time and avoid mismatches

Including salary details also shows respect for candidates’ time. It streamlines the recruitment process by reducing mismatched expectations later down the line. Without this clarity, firms risk spending valuable time and resources on interviews with applicants who may ultimately walk away once the salary is revealed. In contrast, adverts that include a salary range tend to attract applicants who are already aligned with the firm’s budget and expectations – a key advantage when seeking professionals with the depth of knowledge and credibility that comes with TEP status.

Support your reputation

There’s also a broader reputational benefit. Firms that are upfront about pay are often viewed as more transparent and trustworthy. In an industry built on trust, ethics and professionalism, this kind of transparency sends a strong signal. It suggests your firm values fairness and is confident in the competitiveness of its offer – important traits when trying to engage practitioners who have built their careers on integrity and client trust.

Reach the right TEP candidates

While the STEP Jobs Board doesn’t currently allow users to filter by salary, candidates will often scan listings for roles that meet their financial requirements. Adverts without this information are more likely to be passed over. This is especially true for TEPs and other experienced practitioners, who are accustomed to roles that reflect both their qualifications and the high level of responsibility they carry. A clear salary range helps signal that your firm understands the market and values the expertise that TEPs bring.

A small detail that makes a big difference

In short, including salary details is a simple step that can dramatically improve the performance of your job advert. It boosts visibility, attracts better-suited applicants and demonstrates openness – all of which make your role more appealing to the high-calibre professionals who use the STEP Jobs Board.

Next time you post a vacancy, don’t leave this out. Transparency pays off – especially when you're seeking the trust of a TEP.