Here is a little tip that has given me an advantage in the "Why don't you tell me what you expect or what got paid at your last job" conversation.
I say that every study I have read shows that basing a job offer on past salary is one of the most important ways employers -- unwittingly perhaps-- perpetuate unequal pay for women and other protected groups. Ask the employer or recruiter: Do you want your process to perpetuate unequal pay?
They can't say yes to that. And it makes them feel bad for asking. If you don't do something like this they will often make you feel unreasonable for not sharing your salary history.
Why protected groups? This isn’t true. It perpetuates low pay for EVERYONE. You don’t have to be a protected group to be shy, conflict averse, ignorant of salaries, etc
The argument is that it impacts disadvantaged groups disproportionately. Also, there are lots of studies showing that women negotiate less than men do. I don't know how good the studies are but they've certainly been reported a lot.
If you aren't personally one of those protected groups, exploiting their needs to get more money for yourself seems unscrupulous. That ought to make for a weaker negotiating position, not a stronger one, so I'm surprised none of these prospective employers have called your bluff.
I say that every study I have read shows that basing a job offer on past salary is one of the most important ways employers -- unwittingly perhaps-- perpetuate unequal pay for women and other protected groups. Ask the employer or recruiter: Do you want your process to perpetuate unequal pay?
They can't say yes to that. And it makes them feel bad for asking. If you don't do something like this they will often make you feel unreasonable for not sharing your salary history.