Job seekers who throw out ridiculous numbers as a starting point lose credibility and find themselves backpedalling to try and regain that credibility farther i

Job seekers who throw out ridiculous numbers as a starting point lose credibility and find themselves backpedalling to try and regain that credibility farther into negotiations (if negotiations even continue). In my career I've seen candidates do this enough that it bears mentioning when we are about to enter negotiations, particularly with younger candidates who haven't held many jobs. The anchoring concept is somewhat skewed when you are asked to provide current comp info. Most of my clients (recruiter) require me to provide prior info. The current comp info provides an anchor right away, and any accompanying information with the current comp will be the true anchor. So saying "Candidate is currently earning 120 and will entertain offers above 135." The client now knows where the bidding starts, so any offer below that won't be considered.