[wil421]

I agree and recently used a similar tactic to GP last year. I figured out what Atlanta was paying for the specific technology and found a few similar cities with their salary ranges. It helps if you know a few Engineer managers who can look up pay scales for you.

Next time I will politely push the envelope further. I had two competing offers. Asked for the top end and it worked.

The other suprise question is the “How much are you currently making?” trap. I politely said if it was a condition of being hired I can share my pay but I know I’m very underpaid at the moment compared to the market. Took the job with a 40% pay increase without having to discuss my prior salary.

[chillacy]

I find it uncomfortable to dodge that question too but the best way I've found is to decline politely and ask for a "market offer". If they know you have other offers they'll usually make it competitive.

[notfromhere]

Or just lie, what are they going to do, ask for a W2?

[tracker1]

Many places do background checks which can include a financial/credit check and depending on the depth or association to government security, they may find out.

[shostack]

Or how about "I'm happy to provide that information for reference and background checks and such once we've reached an agreement here."