<prompt> Human: I am currently employed but have been looking at job postings in my area and have applied to a few. One thing I am seeing very often is that employers will ask for the minimum salary you are willing to accept; this question is not an optional one.In a particularly extreme case, one application asked for my current salary along with all benefits retirement, health, etc.. Again, not an optional question.I understand companies do not want to pursue candidates that are unaffordable, but its also said that the person who names a number first loses.How do you deal with companies wanting to know your salary demands immediately? How do you deal with companies asking for your current compensation?  <response>: That is a very good esay. When asked my salary, I always ask How much does this position pay? then shut up Its not easy, yet its what I do. 