How do you talk about salary expectations and negotiations in interview?

Question

To be more specific, I have a call with a recruiter to get to know each other and talk about surface level things, including compensation expectations. But this question can apply to the first conversations about compensation and the negotiations later.

byoung2 · Accepted Answer

What type of recruiter? If it is a recruiter from a recruiting firm then be honest about your number. They want to place you and they get paid based on the salary you get. I have had these recruiters tell me my number was too low and the company would pay more.If it is a recruiter from the company doing the hiring, they want to pay you as little as possible. Do not give a number first. If forced, say "any reasonable market salary". If they still push, give a wide range like "somewhere in the $100k to $300k range" (assuming your goal is $200k)