This is intial email from recruiter. Asked me what my salary expectations are. How should I answer without low balling myself if I ultimately get in? Im starting to interview/apply to companies so I’m interested in how to approach this question more generally. I know Cisco pays low and I was lowballed so I want to be prepared. Also do recruiters check/compare with current employer? Thank you fellow Blinders!
Tell them you expect market.
You don’t have to tell a recruiter anything. Market rate, negotiable depending on role and benefits, or just refuse to answer. Also, in many states, Including CA, it’s illegal to ask your current compensation. It can be useful to have a number just so you’re not wasting your time, but you really don’t have to tell the recruiter anything. Oh another trick, instead of answering ask “what do you have budgeted for the role?”. I believe they have to tell you. I’ve never had anyone not tell me. You can simply say that fits my expectations or it doesn’t.
That’s the problem. In California they cannot legally ask but it seems companies have found work around a.
Find out the range of pay in the industry for the role for which you're applying. Tell expected salary close to the upper limit of this range.