{
  "registry_version": "2026.08.2",
  "data": {
    "title": "Compensation Double Bind",
    "status": "active",
    "evidence_ids": [
      "EVD-005"
    ],
    "content": "# Compensation Double Bind\n\nCandidate is required to state salary expectation first; quoting high triggers immediate rejection, while quoting low triggers leveling downranking.\n\n### Trigger Rule\nAsymmetric salary inquiry where employer refuses band disclosure prior to candidate submitting binding number.\n\n### What this Establishes\n- Information asymmetry is utilized as an uncalibrated gatekeeper before technical merit is evaluated.\n\n### What this Does NOT Establish\n- Does not mean employer has unlimited budget or malice.",
    "id": "P-004",
    "type": "pattern",
    "summary": "Candidate is required to state salary expectation first; quoting high triggers immediate rejection, while quoting low triggers leveling downranking.",
    "required_artifacts": [
      "A-002",
      "A-005"
    ],
    "compatible_mechanisms": [
      "M-004",
      "M-017"
    ],
    "trigger_rule": "Asymmetric salary inquiry where employer refuses band disclosure prior to candidate submitting binding number.",
    "establishes": [
      "Information asymmetry is utilized as an uncalibrated gatekeeper before technical merit is evaluated."
    ],
    "non_inferences": [
      "Does not mean employer has unlimited budget or malice."
    ],
    "interventions": [
      "I-002"
    ],
    "evidence_level": "supported",
    "specimens": [
      {
        "kind": "chat",
        "label": "The asymmetry, in four messages",
        "lines": [
          {
            "speaker": "Recruiter",
            "at": "screen, minute 3",
            "text": "Before we go further — what are your compensation expectations?",
            "tell": false
          },
          {
            "speaker": "Candidate",
            "at": "screen, minute 3",
            "text": "Happy to discuss. What is the band for the role?",
            "tell": false
          },
          {
            "speaker": "Recruiter",
            "at": "screen, minute 4",
            "text": "We prefer to hear the candidate number first so we can match it to the right level.",
            "tell": true
          },
          {
            "speaker": "Candidate",
            "at": "screen, minute 5",
            "text": "Understood. My expectation is in the range of 85–95k.",
            "tell": false
          }
        ],
        "reading": "The number is required from one side and withheld by the other, and it is collected before the level is fixed. Both outcomes below follow from that ordering."
      },
      {
        "kind": "email",
        "label": "The two branches",
        "context": "the same question, two candidates, one week",
        "lines": [
          {
            "text": "Quoted 95k — We are not able to proceed; the expectation is outside the range we have for this role.",
            "tell": true
          },
          {
            "text": "Quoted 70k — Good news, we would like to move ahead. Based on the conversation we are looking at this as a mid-level hire rather than senior.",
            "tell": true
          }
        ],
        "reading": "A high number ends the process and a low one moves the level. There is no answer that leaves both the process and the grade untouched — which is what makes it a bind rather than a negotiation."
      }
    ]
  }
}