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I always say something like “I want to make sure we’re aligned on the full picture first. Can you share the budgeted range for the role?” Honestly, most recruiters will give it to you. If they push back, that tells you everything.
Mentor
I agree. They don’t own the budgets so they just want to get the most qualified candidate and not waste time. You’re looking well out of thier range then it’s just slowing down their process as well.
In some states and cities there are laws requiring salary ranges. But they're often so broad they don't really tell us anything. The best approach is to just ask what the budget is. It shouldn't be your first comment in the first interview, but it needs to be addressed early on. If a company or recruiter won't give you an answer, they're not serious and you should disengage from the conversation.
Maybe I’ve just had a streak of good luck, but so far, if the range isn’t listed, it’s been addressed in the first interview or even screening call sometimes. Just ask for a range early on. If they are that skittish about it and asking costs you the job, I think you know it’s not going to be a good answer.
Mentor
My go-to: "I want to make sure we're aligned before I share a number — can you tell me the approved budget for the role?" Frames it as efficiency, not deflection. If they push back, I say "I have a range in mind but I don't want to over or under-index before I know the band." Works about 70% of the time. The other 30% tells you something about how they negotiate everything else. What's your fallback when they still won't budge?