What are your salary expectations

Ask First

Try this before they even bring up numbers: "What's the budget for this role?"

If HR answers, you're in control. Compare their number to yours and decide right there if it's worth going further.

Here's why this matters more than it seems: companies work off fixed budgets. HR isn't being cagey for fun — they've usually got a range locked in from finance, and they need you to fit it.