I remember going in for an interview not knowing the salary range that would be on offer, but having at least an idea of my worth in the field. During the inter

I remember going in for an interview not knowing the salary range that would be on offer, but having at least an idea of my worth in the field. During the interview, right after explaining the benefit I could bring to the company, the most senior interviewer asked if I expect to be paid for that benefit. I said of course, but that the salary depended on my contribution, something best judged by the company. At the end of the interview, not pleased with not having a number, the same interviewer asked if I am not willing to give a number and I asked "would you want me to? I can" and that settled it. They came back and I got the job, with a sensible salary. Of course it is in the best interest of companies to have asymmetry of information, same as with car dealers, but two can play that game. An a priori number could end up limiting in both directions. Try to politely decline to give a number ahead of time and see how much your skills are needed. If the company takes the number in a form I try to write In Person or leave it blank. If the company does not contact me, I sometimes wonder whether it was as a result of that, and then remind myself that such inflexibility would not be a good trait for an employer to have, so we were both spared.