I just had a recruiter ask me to share my current salary “to make sure we’re aligned.” I know that’s a trap, but dodging it without sounding evasive is tricky. How do you respond when they push for your current pay instead of focusing on market value?

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Give them a number 20% higher than you make

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I like to ask for a range. It’s kind of a red flag if they’re asking for my salary specifically

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Depending on where you live that might be illegal for them to ask you... Regardless, your current salary has nothing to do with what this company is paying for the role they're interviewing you for. What matters is the range they're offering and if your skillset is aligned with what they're looking for and your comp expectations are aligned with the range they're offering.

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Tell them that the market sets your comp, not your last employer. Or, what I'm worth to you is the only thing that matters.

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Caveat it with the number you'd need for leaving to make sense. I'm not going to hassle with moving on for a 5-10% increase and I tell recruiters that. Unless the budget for the role is a 20%+ increase, it's not worth my time.

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I would tell them a little higher than you are currently making and make it clear what you are expecting. They should agree it does not make sense to leave for the same amount you are currently making,

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I just refuse to answer the question and say that's confidential, but that my salary is open to negotiation based on their budget. They want to play games, I'm happy to play games as well.

Sounds like redirecting them to say what you’re expecting is the better option.

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