"What are your salary expectations?" — the script to send before the interview
Short answer
Never name a single number on the recruiter screen. Deflect with either (a) the 75th percentile total comp range from Levels.fyi for the role + level + city, or (b) "I'd rather understand the role first — what's the band for this level?" Both keep your leverage. The offer is written to your screen-call answer; if you anchor low, you cap your own ceiling before the interview even starts.
The 3-step deflection script
- Pull Levels.fyi for the role + level + city before the call. Memorize the 50th–75th percentile total comp. That's your range — not your number.
- Pivot to "role first, then comp." The exact line: "I'd want to understand the scope and level before naming a number — what's the band for this role?" 8 out of 10 recruiters answer.
- If pushed, name a total-comp range, not base. "I'm targeting total comp in the $X–$Y range for a [level] role in [city], depending on equity structure." Range = leverage. Single number = anchor.
The exact reply (email or screen)
Hi [RECRUITER],
Thanks for reaching out about [ROLE] — the team looks like a strong fit on paper.
Happy to dig into compensation, but I'd love to understand the role first — scope, level, and the band you're working to. Could you share the total comp band for [LEVEL] at [COMPANY] in [CITY/REMOTE]?
For context, I'm currently focused on [ROLE TYPE] opportunities where total comp is in the $X–$Y range, but flexible based on the equity structure and overall package.
Looking forward to the screen.
[YOUR_NAME]
This is the email that costs you the most if you get it wrong.
The Counter-Offer Kit has the pre-screen deflection email, the live-call script (with verbatim phrases), and what to do if the recruiter refuses to share the band.
Get the Counter-Offer Kit → $7 Instant PDF · 30-day money-back guaranteeWhat NOT to say on the screen
- "My current base is $X." — recruiters write the offer at "current +10%." Don't volunteer it.
- "I'm flexible." — sounds desperate. Costs you leverage.
- "Whatever the band is." — sounds inexperienced. Recruiters write to the floor.
- A single number with no range. Range = anchor at the top. Number = anchor at the bottom.
- Naming a base only. Always talk total comp — base + equity + signing.
An illustrative example
Recruiter asked for "current and expected salary" in the screen email. Candidate replied with the script above — no number, role-first frame, total-comp range only. Recruiter shared the band ($210k–$245k total comp). Final offer came in at $232k. ~$27k above the candidate's mental "I'd take $205k" anchor — because that anchor never reached the recruiter.
Before the screening call — quick check
- Do you know the Levels.fyi 75th percentile total comp for this role + city?
- Do you have a 3-sentence deflection ready (memorized, not read)?
- Have you decided to never name your current salary?
If you answered no to any of these, do not take the call yet. Send the deflection email first.
Related reads
FAQ
Should I give a salary expectation in the screening call?
Not a single number. Deflect with a range tied to total comp at the role's level, or push the question back to the recruiter. Naming a single number anchors you below the band — recruiters never quote the top.
What if the recruiter insists on a specific number?
Quote the 75th percentile total comp from Levels.fyi for the role + level + city. Add: "open to discussing once we agree it's the right role." This keeps the band open without ending the cycle.
Is it bad to refuse the salary question?
Refusal isn't required — deflection works better. The kit script frames it as wanting to assess role fit first, which recruiters accept and pattern-match to senior candidates.