Recruiter: "What are your compensation expectations for this role?"

You: "I find that it doesn't make sense to discuss it so early. I am just focusing on the interviews and so much depends on what we learn during the process, but I am certain we'll come to something that we will both be happy with in the end."

Recruiter: "What are your compensation expectations for this role?"

You: "I find that it doesn't make sense to discuss it so early. I am just focusing on the interviews and so much depends on what we learn during the process, but I am certain we'll come to something that we will both be happy with in the end."

Recruiter: "I understand, but we need to make sure we're aligned on compensation before proceeding."

You: "I appreciate your need for alignment. So much depends on the full opportunity -- the team dynamics, scope, and growth potential. Nothing I've heard makes me think twice about moving forward."

Recruiter: "We've had candidates go through the entire process only to be disappointed with our offer range."

You: "That's completely understandable. I'm exploring each opportunity holistically, and I trust that you're competitive within your market. If at any point I feel there might be a misalignment, I'll let you know immediately."

Recruiter: "What other companies are you interviewing with? What are they offering?"

You: "I'm only focused on the interviews for this opportunity right now. I'm evaluating each opportunity on its own merits rather than comparing them at this early stage."

Recruiter: "We want to make sure our offer is competitive when the time comes."

You: "I appreciate that. I'm exploring each opportunity holistically based on the role, team, and growth potential, not just compensation. When we reach the offer stage, I'll be completely transparent about what would make this opportunity compelling for me."

Recruiter: "As a startup, we need to know if our compensation structure works for you."

You: "What's your typical structure between cash and equity for this level?"

Recruiter: "As a startup, we won't be competing with FAANG, so I don't want to waste your time."

You: "It sounds like you are concerned I will pick a big tech offer after the process, but I am excited about this role for a reason and trust you pay competitively for a company of your stage. I will let you know right away if there isn't a fit. Right now, I just want to focus on the interviews and learning more about the role, team, and company."

Recruiter: "As a startup, we won't be competing with FAANG, so I don't want to waste your time."

You: "It sounds like you're concerned about competing with big tech, but I'm considering the whole opportunity and understand every company handles compensation differently. I expect you to pay competitively for your stage and market and look forward to meeting the team."

Recruiter: "We've had candidates from FAANG interview with us who had expectations way above our range."

You: "I understand that concern. I'm evaluating opportunities based on multiple factors, not just compensation numbers. I wouldn't be pursuing this conversation if I had fundamental concerns about compensation alignment."

Recruiter: "What's your current package?"

You: "My current situation is not relevant since so much depends on the process, scope, and role, but it would be helpful if you told me how you think of compensation here."

Recruiter: "What compensation are you expecting for this role?"

You: "Compensation expectations?"

Recruiter: "Yes, we need to make sure we're in the same ballpark."

You: "I understand. I'm focused on the interviews now and determining if there's a mutual fit before getting into specific numbers."

Recruiter: "We really need to understand your expectations before proceeding."

You: "It seems like you're concerned about misaligned expectations?"

Recruiter: "Yes, we've had candidates with unrealistic expectations before."

You: "You'll know immediately if we're not aligned. I'm here because the opportunity is compelling."

Recruiter: "I need to put something in our system to move forward."

You: "I understand you have system requirements. I'm really focusing on the interviews now and determining if there's a mutual fit."

Recruiter: "The system won't let me proceed without a number in this field."

You: "I understand the constraint. Nothing I've heard makes me think twice about moving forward. What range have you typically seen for similar roles?"

Recruiter: "Our range varies widely based on experience. I need your expectation to place you correctly."

You: "I understand you need something for your system. If absolutely necessary, you could use the top of your standard range as a start. I am confident we will find something that works for us."

Recruiter: "I literally cannot proceed without a number in our system."

You: "I understand you need something specific for your system. If absolutely necessary, you could use the top of your standard range as a starting point, with the understanding that we'll revisit once we've both learned more through the interview process."

Recruiter: "We really can't move forward without some indication of your expectations."

You: "I'm excited about the role and nothing I've heard is stopping me from moving forward."

Recruiter: "As a startup, we need to confirm our structure works for you before proceeding."

You: "I understand this is a startup and expect that the compensation is appropriate for the company's stage."