<prompt> Human: I live on Long Island, NY and used to work in Newark, NJ. I left my job in Newark and started looking for jobs with an easier commute and ended up with a great offer from a company in NYC company 1 and Im close to an offer from another company on Long Island company 2.I told company 2 that I had an offer from company 1 and asked if I could get an update on my candidacy because I needed to get a decision back to company 1. Company 2 was surprised that I was interviewing elsewhere and tells me Im the only candidate they are considering but she is waiting on final approval for my offer. As a result, she asks if my salary expectations have changed. I said that I am expecting them to, at the very least, match the other offer at 57k. Company 2 then says that their budget is at 55k. I explained that the market rate, my experience, and education warrants the extra 2k. Then I receive an email from my contact at company 2 asking to confirm what my salary was when I worked in Newark. I feel that this is completely unnecessary to provide my previous salary at this stage, and considering the market averages are much lower in Newark. To be honest, I was making 45k and do not want this to hurt my chances at a better offer. I am interested in working at company 2 because of the shorter commute and better work-life balance. However, Im getting annoyed with their negotiation tactics. Any advice on how I can respond to her asking me to confirm what my salary was in Newark?Thanks in advance!  <response>: Its illegal in NY to ask about your prior salary 