Hello #tribe I am currently applying for (remote React, JS) jobs (in India) and I am finding it difficult to navigate without telling them my CTC/expectations before starting the interview process. An interview hasn't been scheduled at one of the startups today as HR kept inquiring about my current CTC and I was asking her for a salary range in response. She was not okay with discussing it later either. Any practical tips to navigate through this?

If they really push for it, and are not offering a range, you can share your "expected" ball park range instead of them offering it. There is no reason to share current CTC. You can just tell them, I am looking to move to a job which pays around XYZ. Is that in your ballpark? And your XYZ should be +10-15% of what you'd settle for because they will definitely negotiate. There is no point doing a dance around this as you have a range you'd consider and if they can't pay -- why bother?

Thanks, I am trying the same, first ask them their range. If they don't share then I say my number. However, I find, it's bad and disappointing when they keep asking current CTC even after saying expectations.

We can try to justify it by saying that the agreement with my current company does not allow me to disclose my compensation, it is confidential. If they still insist upon range and not exact number, make the range wide enough to keep them guessing.

When asked for expected CTC, I provide one of the following response:- • Response 1 (the starter) - I make it clear that I want to understand if we are a mutual fit first or not. If yes, then we will discuss the expectations later. If not, then my expectation doesn't matter. • Response 2 (cross-question) - if after giving the first response, they still insist, then I ask them for their budget. • Response 3 (the wild guesser) - if they still persist for a number, I provide them with a range wide-enough that I know is likely out of their bound. I never thought about NOT sharing my current CTC. I always used to tell it, maybe I will try some of the suggestions next time 😛

"Hey recruiter, my expected salary is XXXXX. If you're willing to match that, we can proceed with the interview process. Else I wish you all the very best in your endeavors." That's it.