<prompt> Human: Im looking for a job and recently came across an interesting job. I applied for it and just had an initial interview with HR. HR asked me salary expectations but I declined to give specific. They then proceeded to tell me what the expected salary was and it was half of what Im currently making. Is this just a tactic for negotiation or should I not expect more than what was said? I still told them that Id like to learn more about the job.  <response>: I work in HR. Ive never worked anywhere that used expected or budgeted salary as a negotiating point. It was usually a range that most candidates were expected to stick too. You have more wiggle room further up the chain think sr director or executive level depending on how much they want you and how long the post has been open as theres more pressure to close out department head roles quickly.That being said, no one ever doubles the budgeted salary. If we are up front with a low wage its because its all we can get for this position right now and we want to make sure we dont waste our time interviewing candidates that turn it down. So dont waste your time or theirs if you know you wont take that pay. Ask them to keep you in mind for a future position rather then burn that bridge by leading them on and ultimately rejecting their offer due to pay. 