Strategy: In initial screening conversations, sharing an unresearched number prematurely can either price you out or anchor your compensation below market rate.
Script: 'My priority right now is finding the right mutual fit where I can deliver significant engineering impact. Based on current market compensation data for senior software engineering roles in this location and my background in scaling distributed systems, I am targeting a total compensation package in the range of $160,000 to $185,000, depending on the overall split between base salary, equity, and performance bonuses. However, I remain flexible and would love to learn more about the complete benefits package and career trajectory as we move forward in the process. What compensation band does your team have budgeted for this level?'