What to say instead
Recruiter lens: the best answer is to anchor to market range and role scope, not your current pay.
I am focused on roles in the market range for this scope and level.
Do not volunteer history unless required by law.
How anchors form
The first concrete number tends to frame the negotiation. Salary history bans reduce this effect by removing the first anchor.1
Recruiter lens: these are the anchor behaviors we see most often in early screens.
- •Early numbers narrow the range of later discussion.
- •Anchors persist even when both sides know the market rate.
- •The cleanest move is to anchor to scope and market value.
Handling forms and screens
Recruiter lens: if a form requires a number, use a range tied to the role level rather than your current pay. If the form allows a blank or a note, state that you are open to market-aligned ranges.
Definition: salary anchoring
Anchoring is the tendency for early numbers to shape final outcomes. Salary history bans reduce this effect by removing early anchors.1
Limitations
- •Legal requirements vary by location. This is not legal advice.
- •Role level, market conditions, and company policy still shape outcomes.