Yes employers have comp bands for each level within an org. You can always ask to come in at a higher level. The thing is you never know how much a company va

Yes employers have comp bands for each level within an org. You can always ask to come in at a higher level. The thing is you never know how much a company values a particular role. By giving a number first you basically preempt the scenario where they might offer more than you would have thought to ask for. If they come in low to anchor the negotiations on a lower number, that can also give valuable information about how much the organization values your role / function. Either way it is in your best interest for them to show their hand first.