It is amazing to me that companies would rather spend weeks screening and interviewing candidates without saying what the compensation is and risk a declined offer than just be up front about it.
I was exploring other opportunities in my local market not too long ago and came across a position similar to what I have now. Two interviews across 2 weeks, both went great. No pay was discussed by either side. Offer comes and is about 15% lower than my current compensation. I countered at 5% lower and asked if there were room for negotiation.
They said they couldn’t meet my counter but there is room for negotiation, and then proceeded to not negotiate, they just left it at that. Not being desperate for another opportunity, I declined and thanked them for their time and that was that.
It really does just boggle my mind how companies would rather waste time and labor on compensation games than be up front with people. And before you bring it up, yes I could have just asked but I shouldn’t have to. Waiting till the end gives me the most leverage i could possibly have in this situation.