[l-jenkins]

I've had this happen. When I got the offer from the CEO (small company) it was what I was currently making but with less job security. I stopped dealing with that recruiter immediately and ignore all correspondence from them (or anyone at their company).

I think what they hear is "I need my compensation to be X" instead of "I need my salary to be X". Big difference.

[s73v3r]

Well, many times as candidates, we're told to state our total compensation when asked about our salary.

[binxbolling]

That's surprising/confusing to me--I've actually never been asked that. This is in the US (east coast), so can't speak to other locales.