What to Say When Asked 'What Are Your Salary Expectations?' in Round 1
Revealing a specific salary number in the initial recruiter phone screen anchors your compensation ceiling prematurely. Here is the exact script to deflect gracefully and learn their budgeted band.
The Friction
Recruiters ask for your salary expectations in the first 10 minutes to filter candidates. If you state a number too low, you lose $30k+ in future upside. If you state a number too high, you risk early disqualification.
The Deflection + Discovery Script
Politely turn the question back to the company's approved compensation band.
What to Do If the Recruiter Presses for a Number
If they insist: "Based on my research and competing opportunities for senior lead roles at this scale, I am exploring opportunities in the $160,000 to $185,000 range. Does that align with your team's budget?"
The 2-Minute Practice Drill
The 2-Minute Practice Drill
Practice deflecting the salary question smoothly in Dehurdle with zero awkward pauses.