Context: I'm at a gig I'm really happy with, but am frequently having recruiters from other decent places getting in touch.

How do I professionally say something along the lines of "I'm really happy with where I am, but don't want to waste any of my time on the interview process unless you can guarantee I will be paid above $X. If you can guarantee that, we can talk "

Apologies English isnt my first language, so really appreciate the help. Thank you!

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I always say, “I’m not actively looking for another job because I’m happy where I am, but I’m always open to discussing new opportunities and making connections with great people.” That often weeds out the recruiters who are seriously coveting you from those just trying their luck. Then you can throw the money ball at them (if you really are interested!)

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Agree with what everyone has said. I think recruiters appreciate transparency, and don’t want their time wasted, either. I would tee it up as “While I’m happy where I am, I’m always open to talking and seeing what opportunities are out there. However in my current situation, I’m happy with the work I’m making, and so would be looking for X in order to leave. If that sounds in line with this opening, I’d love to hear more. I hope this doesn’t sound too blunt, but I want to be transparent and respectful of your time, as I know the interview process is a lot of work to find the right person.”

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I get this too. Just ask for more info and see what they come back with. If you still have some questions, be direct: "thanks, but to be completely honest I wouldn't move for less than..." or the like. If they don't have anything you'd consider be explicit with your demands for future roles: "Thanks, but it doesn't sound appealing enough to me at the moment as I'm happy where I am. However, if you came across something like X please let me know"

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It never hurts to talk. I’d just set up a 10 minute chat, learn about the role, and ask for the salary range. You can always explain how you’re happy with your job but curious about the role.

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I think you just answered your own question.

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Just say that.

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I always answer the call. I then tell them I’m happy where I’m at, but I’m always looking to increase my financial stability so if the position they’re looking to fill is paying $X /yr I’d be happy to talk and learn more.

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Always talk IMO. You can always use it as leverage if talks progress enough. My last two raises have come from getting better offers elsewhere.

Why not just say what you outlined? Recruiters are pretty pressed for time, so getting to the point is a good idea.

Take the call, and say “im not actively looking but an open if a great opportunity comes along”

If it’s a headhunter (external recruiter) I don’t even humor a conversation without telling them what my base next price tag is. If it’s a primary from another company, I will usually only humor a conversation if it’s some place I would actually go, and even then, I let them know what my compensation expectations are. This was the same for the industry I’m in now, and the one before. Don’t let your time get sapped up by a pipe dream.

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