Tell the truth. Decide on a salary that would legitimately make you happy and tell them that figure. If they had planned on offering you more, the worst case sc

Tell the truth. Decide on a salary that would legitimately make you happy and tell them that figure. If they had planned on offering you more, the worst case scenario is that you will get offered your ideal figure. If they had planned on offering you less, the worst case scenario is that they will try and negotiate you down. Either way, whatever their next move is gives you clear insight into their perception of you. Decent employers don't try to negotiate everyone down by default. The better employers recognise the value a decent employee brings to the table and goes out of their way to ensure that money isn't a concern.