If it Sounds Too Good to Be True...

Simon Gressier • August 6, 2018

I am not being a Grinch and I am well aware that good things do happen e.g. people do win the lottery, secure ideal jobs, meet their soulmates etc, etc. BUT these events are not daily occurrences and that is why when they do happen they stand out. More often than not, good fortune comes with a downside.

Recently we had a hiring manager’s good offer rejected, as the job seeker had received an offer with an even higher financial package. Nothing surprising in this, in a job seeker tight Sydney recruitment market, this happens all the time. What was surprising was that the second offer provided the job seeker with a pay rise, in excess of 50%, yes, 50%. In addition to the salary package the prospective new employer was offering, there was to be quality mentoring, fresh challenges and reasonable work hours – happy days!

I won’t bore you with all the details, but suffice to say, the reality proved significantly different and the only constant was the salary package.

The lessons learnt –

  • Massive increases in salary come with the expectation that you are competent to fulfil the responsibilities associated with the higher level role.
  • If your skill level is below your new employer’s expectations, then expect to work significantly longer hours to develop your skills to the required level.
  • There is a difference between being an applicant and an employee i.e. not all statements made in an interview come to fruition in the harsh reality of a busy working week.
  • Taking on new challenges and advancing your career is admirable and is what is expected of job seekers on the `upswing’, but make sure that the step is within your ‘realistic’ capabilities.
  • Money is not everything – if you are seeking a work/life balance, then what value do you place on this?

If it sounds too good to be true…

Find the job you love I Find the right talent
Get in touch with people2people

Australia
   I    United Kingdom

In business since 2002 in Australia, NZ, and the United Kingdom, people2people is an award-winning recruitment agency with people at our heart. With over 12 offices, we specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Large Agency and Excellence in Candidate Care Awards, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.

Recent articles

By people2people UK November 23, 2025
Discover why communication gaps between generations are increasing in UK workplaces and how HR can bridge these divides through shared experiences, team activities, and stronger human connection.
By people2people UK November 18, 2025
A clear guide for UK employers on conducting fair, transparent and legally compliant redundancies during rising unemployment and economic uncertainty.
By people2people UK November 9, 2025
UK employers face mounting challenges in 2026—from recruitment and retention to rising costs, AI adoption, and new employment laws. Discover how HR leaders can stay resilient and build workplaces that attract, engage, and retain top talent.
By Leanne Lazarus November 2, 2025
Discover how leadership development is evolving in 2025. Learn what organisations can do to build interdependent, future-ready leaders who drive performance, collaboration, and culture.
By people2people UK October 26, 2025
Rising sick leave is costing UK employers thousands per employee each year. Discover how proactive absence management and early intervention can reduce costs, support wellbeing, and boost workplace resilience.

Latest Media Features


Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us