"What's the salary range?"
 
As a recruiter I have to list this as one of my least favorite questions I receive from a candidate. Hey, long before I was a recruiter I was a candidate, so I understand that is it is a legitimate question and something that a candidate wants to know.  But the challenge as a recruiter is, "Do I tell them?", "What number do I give if any?".  My philosophy, and it has served me well, is I don't tell them.  I simply don't mention a number. And I certainly NEVER give a range. Here is why. If I were to give a candidate a comp range of between $100K and $130K. He is only going to hear $130K or the highest number in the range. He won't even have heard or registered the smaller number because nobody thinks they are going to get the low end of the range. And if he is lucky enough to get an offer from my client that is anything less than $130K...he is going to be mad, wondering why he wasn't  worth the higher figure or he will be harder to close because he knows there is more money on the table and he will stall, balk or press me to go get it. It is human nature.
 
When a candidate asks me the range, I run this same scenario described above by him and explain why I don't give ranges. Most smart candidates understand. After that I ask what they are making now and where they need to be to consider a move should they love the opportunity. If it is in a realistic ballpark of my client's range (which only I know), then I tell them that it makes sense for us to continue.  I then say, "I won't waste your time. I think I might be able to make that work it makes sense for us to move forward. Now let's get you two together and if it is the right fit for both of you...the money will work itself out." A good recruiter strives to make the right match for both sides. Good candidates will understand that. A candidate who is solely driven by money early in the process is a candidate that can break your heart down the road. Try this strategy next time you are asked, "What is the salary range?"