How do I find out the salary band for a role?

Source 1: the JD itself. Many UK job postings now include salary ranges (£X - £Y) explicitly. This is the most reliable source. If the JD has a band, anchor to the upper third when negotiating.

Source 2: recruiter outreach. Recruiters who message you proactively about specific roles usually share the band. 'Would you consider a £X-£Y role at [company] for [position]?' This is reliable signal — recruiters quote actual market bands.

Source 3: Glassdoor and LinkedIn salary insights. Less reliable individually but useful triangulation. Look for patterns: if multiple data points cluster around £X-£Y, that's the realistic band. Single data points are unreliable.

Asking the recruiter directly. During the screening call, ask: 'Could you share the band for this role?' Most UK recruiters will share the band when asked directly. Some refuse — interpret refusal as a signal that the band is below market expectations.

Triangulation rule. Two of three sources pointing to the same range is reliable. One source is suggestive. Three sources contradicting each other suggests the role's pay is unstable or the company is below market.