> Some people say this reduces your negotiating leverage because it reveals your hand too much. I try to get around this by making clear it's a minimum, not a m

> Some people say this reduces your negotiating leverage because it reveals your hand too much. I try to get around this by making clear it's a minimum, not a maximum, and anything other than stellar equity/benefits/WLB will require even higher base Or just ask for the range without discussing your requirement. I've never had a recruiter or hiring manager who balked when I turned the question around. If the numbers are favorable, I just say, "If it doesn't work out, it won't be a numbers issue." If not, I say, "That really isn't in the range I'm looking for, and I don't think it'd be in our mutual interest to pursue this opportunity." The former response preserves an opportunity for later negotiation if the interviewing process goes well.