Remember that you're interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. Sounds like it would be a cra**y place to work, at least if you worked for that guy...

I agree, that is an odd question. I regularly ask how much an applicant is currently making, and/or how much they're "looking for", but I would never phrase it as this guy did.

If you have to ask, you can't afford me...

This is timely. I have an in-person interview tomorrow, have already had a phone one with the boss and another one with HR yesterday. However, I'm not really interested in the job. I just want to check it out, get some more in-person interview experience here (I don't have much since moving to AZ) and see if they want me badly enough to make an offer I can't refuse. The recruiter told me it would probably max out the first year at what I'm making now. So that's a non-starter, since I'm very comfortable where I am. Whenever someone asks me why I'm looking, I tell them, "Because I don't have to and that's the best time to look."

Never turn down a chance to interview. Always go in with the goal to get an offer. Never burn any bridges if you end up declining. You never know - things can change fast at your current job and the new job will be only a phone call away!

George

Answer is, I would want X, but I am well worth it.

Personally, I am working for 20% less than I did a few years ago. Less demanding work, with lots of competition.

Years ago, during the interview with the Pres of a brokerage co, when I told him my salary requirements, he said "that's a lot of money" and I replied "yes, it is". He told me later that's when he decided to hire me. He wanted to see if I would back down or start defending the salary I was asking for. I didn't deny that it was a lot of $, but I let him do most of the talking.

good points everyone....

The first time I ever emailed with my current boss about the job I have now, I told him my salary requirements. His exact reply was, "Seriously, based on your experience, I'd reconsider that figure." I replied, "Why? That's what I'm making now and my job is totally safe and by my house? Why would I commute to DC for less?" He ended up offering me the job for far less, thinking I was bluffing about salary. I told him that was unacceptable, but thanks. He called back a day later with a much better offer.

they do that all the time around here... i tend to give em a range and tell em it depends on the benefits they throw in with the salary.. Gives em something to work with.

Speaking of interviews, I conducted a bunch of em over the past few weeks.
We're offering jobs to 4 of em.

One guy is an ex racer and his son is a current professional race car driver. See him on TV all the time.

I was getting teased by another manager who said:
you can't hire that guy, neither of you will ever get anything done because you'll spend all day bench racing!

I said, "what's yer point?"