As someone who hires people in my own company and who asks this question the reason is quite different from your understanding.
I would hate to insult a candidate with an offer and always asks people to tell me how much they want to take the role.
Most people responds by saying "today I make xxx". And if they, as many people do, say "I don't know, it is hard for me to decide" I will ask them how much they make today and ask them if they feel satisfied with that.
To me it seems like 80% of candidates have a very hard time at negotiating salary because they really want the job. I will never, ever ask these things to try lowering the salary cost. I do ask these things to ensure a fair offer.
... but I guess it can be understood as you say it here as well. Never thought of that. That is valuable to know.
Seems like you're saying you ask for salary requirements, not for them to reveal how much they currently make. That's something else entirely. What I am specifically referring to is asking a candidate their current pay.
Range is an interesting thing to me. If given a range without information about how a person is placed high or low in that range couldn't they just bait you and always offer the low end.
I would hate to insult a candidate with an offer and always asks people to tell me how much they want to take the role.
Most people responds by saying "today I make xxx". And if they, as many people do, say "I don't know, it is hard for me to decide" I will ask them how much they make today and ask them if they feel satisfied with that.
To me it seems like 80% of candidates have a very hard time at negotiating salary because they really want the job. I will never, ever ask these things to try lowering the salary cost. I do ask these things to ensure a fair offer.
... but I guess it can be understood as you say it here as well. Never thought of that. That is valuable to know.