A recruiter said I can't proceed to the on-site until I give them an expected base salary for "leveling purposes". I said, I can't give you a number but use what you think it is for peer companies at a the usual rate for the given level for someone with X years of post college experience. What to do?
Your current salary +55%
This actually isn’t legal in California now
I believe the law says they cannot ask how much you make now but they can ask how much you want.
It's completely legal. You can't ask about previous or current pay, but targeted or expected is OK. In California, though, you can ask what the range is and they *must* tell you.
Which company? Is it a general purpose recruiter or a specific job? If there is a specific job, you can see from the job description requirements if the level is appropriate. If it is for a company, they can base off of experience and years, and let the interviewers determine the level. Not legal in some states, and questionable practice in general. You have to determine if this is a recruiter you want to work with. Aim high to, then negotiate.
If they are so insistent, they'll offer you at least 15% less than your lower end of the range. Leave some room by asking 120-170% of what you'll be fine with, but leave an out for yourself by saying, that's just base and leave open the option for stocks, vesting cycle, bonus, etc. Avoid giving a number or offer to confirm their range if they are ok to state it. It's a ridiculous game... Sense whether you have a nasty recruiter or is it the company culture that's aggressive.
170% of current.
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Ask for a billion
Yeah, my plan is to send them a very high ball number