Digital Catapult Innovation Manager interview questions

After seeing a job role that suited my experience, I completed the application form online. The job description did not give a salary range and just mentioned 'competitive'. I completed the forms, and cover letter and then was presented with another form to share my expected salary range. The drop-down selection was not very forward-thinking and forced you to select an exact amount rather than a range before applying. This is all without detailing the salary range they have budgeted for the position or the offered benefits package. I applied, only to receive an automated notice shortly after saying that my salary expectation was too high (was market rate), and they would not take my application further. This is quite absurd for a company that prides itself on being 'innovative'. This process suggests that the company is hiring below the market rate, and actively looking for applicants that undervalue themselves. Would they have taken my application further if I had put my salary range lower than they had budgeted? A free tip: question your hiring process and corporate hiring managers and stop treating applicants like numbers - put your salary on your job descriptions, and stop wasting people's time.