When a recruiter or hiring manager asks for your salary requirements, the key is to be strategic, respectful, and aligned with market value—while not underselling yourself or pricing yourself out too early.

Here are two strong approaches, depending on your comfort and situation:

Strategy 1: Redirect the Question

If you're early in the process, don’t feel pressured to give a number. You have every right to protect your leverage—especially before you know the full scope of the role.

Why?

• Anchoring too low can hurt your offer.
  
• Many states have banned questions about your salary history (it reinforces pay inequity).
  
• You’ll have more negotiating power after they want to hire you.

Examples on how to redirect:

🌀 Turn it around:

 “I’d love to know the budgeted range for this role. This will help me align my expectations with what the company has in mind.”

🌀 Show your enthusiasm:

“I’m eager to learn more about the role so I can better understand how my experience aligns with what you’re looking for.

🌀 Focus on your value over numbers:

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“I’m actively focused on finding a role where I can make an impact and continue to grow. Based on my experience in [X], I hope to bring value to the team, and I’m open to a competitive offer that reflects the scope of the role.”

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‍Strategy 2: Give a Range (if you must)

If they press you (or you feel ready) give a well-researched range, not a single number.

Do this first: 

Check salary data (check out our tool within ‘negotiation’ status) 

Compare with posted range (if listed) 

Consider your experience, skills, and location 

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🌀 Sample response: 

“Based on my research and experience, I’d be looking for something in the $80K–$95K range, depending on the full scope and benefits package.” 

Tip: Know your walk-away number (the lowest you’d accept) but keep it to yourself for now.

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 ⚠️ Avoid: 

- Lowballing yourself to stay in the running

- Sharing your past salary (illegal in many states)

- Saying “I’m flexible” with no context

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Summary

When a recruiter asks about your salary expectations, it's important to respond strategically to protect your negotiating power. If you're early in the process, consider redirecting the question to avoid anchoring too low—ask for the budgeted range or express interest in learning more about the role first. If you do choose to give a number, offer a well-researched range based on market data, your experience, and the role's scope. Avoid disclosing past salaries, lowballing yourself, or saying you're "flexible" without context. The goal is to stay aligned with market value without limiting your options too soon.