> 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.
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.