Nothing turns me off more from a potential job opportunity than an HR rep or hiring manager that continuously dodges the salary question (especially when they ask first).
HR: So what are your salary requirements?
Me: I am currently more interested in finding a job that's a good fit, but it's flexible depending on the expectations of the role and the total compensation package. Can you tell me what the compensation range is for this role?
HR: We don't disclose our compensation. We would like you to tell us your requirements and we'll let you know if it's in line with our budget.
At this point I wanted to hang up on her, but I went along with it, with a bit of snarkiness.
Me: If you know what the budget is, then why are you being so difficult? A good employer would be transparent about this. Can you tell me what that budget is?
HR: (spends 3 minutes explaining their basic benefits package) With that said, what is your range?
Me (annoyed): (gives a very wide range – I think I said between 50k and 130k) Does that align with what your budget is?
HR: Yeah it does. Idk about the 130, but the 50 is doable!
Of course I moved on in the interview process (even with my snarkiness), but I have no intention of accepting an offer for that lowball number if presented, and am perfectly happy with walking away if I don't get close to the number I want. I am also going into this second interview with my guard up more than normal. This kind of behavior is usually a sign of either a low quality employer, or inexperienced hiring managers.