[michaelt]

A lot of people say "never be the first to give a number" (which might be wise if you aren't confident you have a good idea of your market value) but I've always found it useful to just give recruiters a salary requirement figure upfront.

After all, I know $X is what it will take for me to move enthusiastically and see it as good for my career trajectory, so if $X is over their salary range being coy about what I want just wastes my time.

[twic]

I think that "never be the first to give a number" advice is good if you want to maximise your income. If you want to minimise your drudgery, name a number as soon as possible.

[collyw]

I agree. I am at the higher end of the payscale where I live (Spain so overall pretty poor salaries). Most jobs will be offering around average salaries, so it's saves me time to state up front what i expect.