>You should simply ask for the range up front or state your requirements, if you don't do that and fly out to an interview without knowing if there is overlap t

>You should simply ask for the range up front or state your requirements, if you don't do that and fly out to an interview without knowing if there is overlap that's sub-optimal, it also exposes you to the sunk-cost fallacy. Have you actually tried that? I have. I have never got a number in reply to such a question. Usually the recruiter himself does not know neither does the hiring manager. All salary talks I had were with the CEO/GM/etc. If I refused to talk with any recruiter/hiring manager who does not have a range I'd never been employed. >Remember: recruiters approach you, they are technically in the least favourable position during the negotiations and it will benefit you to keep them there as long as possible. This is the thing I don't understand. The recruiter is still trying to hire me if I said or have not said my salary requirements. Not saying does not appear as a strong leverage, in fact, it does not seem like a leverage at all. I ask straight what I want and am willing to negotiate down for non-monetary perks and use the scarcity of qualified applicants on the market as a leverage (e.g. mention other offers I have). I'd love to strengthen my position but I just don't see what I gain with withholding my requirements.