S/O salary question

[noodleoo]

I have a full interview next week. Yay! The salary question got me wondering if I already screwed up though. On the preliminary phone interview, the HR woman asked me what my salary range was. The position was posted as an entry level position, but I have much more experience, so I turned it back at her to ask what level they were looking to hire (since i"m way above entry level). She said something about looking at a range of people based on the resumes they got, but that I wasn't overqualified. Then she asked what I am making now. I wasn't sure how to answer, so I just told her the truth. I was a bit afraid my current salary would be above their range. She said it wasn't, but that if they did choose me it would be a lateral move. Which is actually okay with me, I was worried I'd have to take a pay cut to get a new job (I'm pretty well paid now).

So, did I totally screw up? I tried to say I'd like to wait to discuss it until I learn more about the position, but she kept asking (afterall, if they can't afford me, they don't want to waste their time interviewing me). I don't know how you can avoid answering direct questions about salary, at some point you have to tell them, right?

[cjeanette]

I usually just reveal my current salary. I have had to provide paystubs upon receiving an offer to verify salary before so I don't want to lie and have that come back to bite me.

[Deleted]

As a hiring manager, I would like candidates to handle that like you did.

I think it's fine if everyone's info is out on the table. We have a small range we use and if candidates are in the neighborhood we move forward.

[noodleoo]

Okay, good, thanks! I always read that the person who names a number first loses or something like that. But I just can't figure out how you can get away with not telling them what you currently make! She was very nice about it, so I'm feeling pretty good.

They also have been moving really fast! I sent my resume in Sunday, got a call on Monday to set up a phone interview for Tuesday. After that, they asked me in for a preliminary in person interview for Wednesday. Now I have a full interview scheduled for next Wed! It is nuts!