Don't Share Your Current Salary — It Anchors the Conversation Against You

When a recruiter asks "What's your current salary?" they're looking for an anchor — a number that limits how high the offer can go. If you're underpaid now, sharing that number locks you into a lower range for the new role too.

Instead, redirect: "I'd prefer to discuss what this role pays based on its responsibilities and my qualifications." In many places this question is actually illegal, and for good reason. Your next salary should be based on your next role, not your last one.