{
  "registry_version": "2026.08.2",
  "data": {
    "title": "Compensation band reduced or altered mid-process",
    "status": "active",
    "evidence_ids": [
      "EVD-005"
    ],
    "content": "# Compensation band reduced or altered mid-process\n\nOffered or discussed compensation band is revised downward from previously agreed or advertised range.\n\n### Diagnostic Non-Inferences\n- Does not prove intentional bait-and-switch malice unless verified by company policy evidence.",
    "id": "A-005",
    "type": "artifact",
    "summary": "Offered or discussed compensation band is revised downward from previously agreed or advertised range.",
    "stages": [
      "recruiter",
      "compensation",
      "offer"
    ],
    "evidence_level": "supported",
    "probes": [
      {
        "id": "PROBE-A-005-1",
        "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.",
        "cost": "medium"
      }
    ],
    "specimens": [
      {
        "kind": "chat",
        "label": "Recruiter message before the offer call",
        "lines": [
          {
            "speaker": "Recruiter",
            "at": "week 5",
            "text": "Quick heads-up before we talk numbers tomorrow — where did we land on expectations?",
            "tell": false
          },
          {
            "speaker": "Candidate",
            "at": "week 5",
            "text": "Same as the range in the posting and what we agreed at the screen: 85–95k.",
            "tell": false
          },
          {
            "speaker": "Recruiter",
            "at": "week 5",
            "text": "Right. So finance has revised the band for this level since we opened the role. We are working with 72–78k now.",
            "tell": true
          }
        ],
        "reading": "The number moved after the candidate had already spent the process. Note the date the original band was stated and by whom."
      },
      {
        "kind": "transcript",
        "label": "Offer call, transcript fragment",
        "context": "minute 6 of 20",
        "lines": [
          {
            "speaker": "Candidate",
            "at": "06:12",
            "text": "Was the change specific to me, or to the level?",
            "tell": false
          },
          {
            "speaker": "Recruiter",
            "at": "06:19",
            "text": "To the level. Everyone coming in at this grade this quarter is on the new band.",
            "tell": true
          },
          {
            "speaker": "Candidate",
            "at": "06:31",
            "text": "And the posting still shows the old range?",
            "tell": false
          },
          {
            "speaker": "Recruiter",
            "at": "06:35",
            "text": "It does. I will get that updated.",
            "tell": false
          }
        ],
        "reading": "An answer that generalises to the whole grade describes a policy. An answer that is specific to you would describe an assessment. They are different mechanisms."
      }
    ],
    "non_inferences": [
      "Does not prove intentional bait-and-switch malice unless verified by company policy evidence."
    ]
  }
}