[sanderjd]

There is an information asymmetry between a prospective employee and employer, which favors the employer. It is sensible to even the playing field a bit by forcing the employer to be the first one to throw out a number to anchor the negotiation.

[mal10c]

I agree with that. When I've interviewed in the past I approached it from two ways. First, I asked them to throw out a number - normally that didn't work and they threw it back to me b/c the person I was talking to was really just trying to fill out a field. So then I went on to my next step (which required some research before talking w/ the person). I threw out a number that was two brackets higher than the one I was applying for. I knew it was too high, but I figured if they wanted me that badly, they could give me that price or show their hand and tell me what they're willing to offer. That tricked worked every time.