Handle the salary expectations question

Recruiters often ask about salary expectations in the first call. It is a fair question - they want to confirm the role is in your range - but a number given too early, before you understand the role and level, can anchor the whole negotiation low.

• Defer politely: “I’d like to learn more about the role and level first. I’m confident we can find a number that works if it’s a good fit. Could you share the range for this position?”
• Ask for their range: many recruiters will share it, and some jurisdictions require ranges in job postings.
• Give a researched range if pressed: base it on market data for the level and location, and set the bottom of your range at a number you would be happy with.
• Talk in total compensation where equity is significant, so a low base does not get fixed early.

Anchoring: the first number mentioned tends to pull the final result toward it. If you give a number, make it well-researched and ambitious but defensible. Where it is legal to ask about your current salary, you can still decline and redirect to what the role is worth: “I’d rather focus on the market rate for this role.” Some places prohibit employers from asking about salary history.