I do (say) two things, whether it's a third party, HR recruiter, or interviewing person: 1. "It's too early in the process for me to discuss compensation. If w

I do (say) two things, whether it's a third party, HR recruiter, or interviewing person: 1. "It's too early in the process for me to discuss compensation. If we both decide it's a good fit, then I'm sure we can work out reasonable compensation." 2. If they press, I reiterate. Sometimes repeatedly. Sometimes I ask "is salary expectation one of the criteria you use to decide who you'd like to work with?" If the answer is 'yes', then I politely decline to continue. Sometimes, they'll say "We have to know your salary expectations to continue". That's a big red flag for me, and I decline there, too. Last: If they're snippy about it, I sometimes ask "What's your budget for the position?". I've never had someone actually tell me. Fundamentally, it's a negotiation, and the other party is trying to get information to leverage in the negotiation. Don't give it to them. Keep your power.