On the job hunt. Submitted an application for an R&D role at a big company in Europe. In the cover letter I wrote about some of the biggest problems they're having and how I'm keen and qualified to help tackle them.
I know of these issues because its my job to know and everyone in this industry is having these particular problems. It's a technical issue in exploring and processing alternative raw materials because, due to climate change, the favoured raw material is dying out.
A couple hours later a lawyer and their R&D head is on the phone with me asking if someone from their company is giving me info illegally. I know they don't share their problems and stuff but apparently almost nobody knows of this in the company and I basically leaked it through my cover letter. I explained my current work and that I have experience in solving these issues, and that I was only trying to demonstrate competence here.
The call should have ended there since the application closing date is still far off and any further discussion would be during an interview but then they ask me if I've applied to any similar roles at any of their competitors. I was honest and told them I haven't YET. Then they say the salary I've listed is simply not gonna happen. I listed a salary about the same as my current job.
I don't know if that's going to cost me an interview opportunity or the job itself during a formal salary negotiation but I find it ridiculous that they aren't willing to pay me this when the issue I'm able to solve (and proved that I can solve) is so serious.
I'll let you know if I get called up but I doubt it.