Compensation band reduced or altered mid-process

Offered or discussed compensation band is revised downward from previously agreed or advertised range.

Funnel Stages: recruitercompensationoffer

Diagnostic Epistemic Posture

This observation represents an empirical signal received or experienced by a candidate. In the HOBA framework, an observation is an empirical consequence of underlying system mechanisms, not a causal proof in itself.

Recommended Diagnostic Probes

[PROBE-A-005-1] Diagnostic Probe Cost: medium

Action: Request clarification on whether the revised band reflects a lower leveling grade or a company-wide budget adjustment.

Expected Signal: Separates leveling evaluation outcome from company financial constraints.

Compatible Mechanisms (1)

Run Diagnostic Wizard →

M-004 intermediary

Unstated Compensation Band Discrepancy

Candidate market rate exceeds budgeted compensation for the requisition, but salary band was never published or clarified early.

What this observation does NOT establish:

Does not prove intentional bait-and-switch malice unless verified by company policy evidence.

Participates in Contradiction Patterns:

P-004: Compensation Double Bind

Candidate is required to state salary expectation first; quoting high triggers immediate rejection, while quoting low triggers leveling downranking.

Machine-readable static endpoint: /api/v1/artifacts/A-005.json