As stated in the article, it&#x27;s best to ask them for <i>their</i> budget. If I have any interest at all I clearly state these two things on first contact with a recruiter:<p>1. I don&#x27;t discuss my current or past compensation.<p>2. Before I engage at all, I need to know what the baseline salary and compensation package is for the role in question.<p>If they&#x27;re coming to you, you have 100% of the negotiation leverage.