Last 2 job changes I told the recruiters my current company is not paying competitively and the annual raises are below inflation. Then we agreed on my expected salary range. They got back to me within a day or two with offers and both times I was signing a new contract within a week.

They respected my bluntness and aimed to meet my expectations. I’m in the UK and I find that outside the hipster businesses or blatant venture capital scam startups, in tech, people respect being to the point and honest.

Sadly both times my existing employers couldn’t afford to meet my new salary range when I got the counter offers, I would’ve stayed if they matched or exceed.

I’m also honest and to the point when interviewing and my interview to offer ratio is about 1/3. The other times they find someone cheaper or they’re one of those companies that expect a full stack senior dev at mid tier salary. I never got ghosted or declined, it was always that I asked for too much money and I declined the counter offer.

Also, never complain about your current job. Instead say what you want/expect and mention that you’re not getting it in the current role. I find that recruiters and interviewers address these expectations very early in the process.

A decent developer will be mid level in 1-2 years.