Salary..How do you respond to a company/recruiter that ask "What is your current salary"?

you want to let them know that it depends on the total compensation package. If you are working with a recruiter -which is preferable- be honest as to what you need to make to live comfortably but tell them you want to leave it open. The recruiter wants what is best for both you and the company and will arrange a deal you will both be happy with. I would go through "the recruiter directory" to find one in your area.

Tell them your salary but then add that "I know you have a salary range in mind for this position. Based on my resume I would hope to receive a salary that is at least in the middle of that range or above".

Good Luck

Resist any urge to declare your salary higher than it is.

Yes, it's a bummer that they use it to justify a low(er) salary, but wouldn't you be bummed if they hired you, did a background check and then fired you for lying on the application?

My old firm would verify salary information. If they couldn't or it didn't match, they asked for your last paycheck stub or W-2.

you can bump up your salary a bit but once i had someone ask to see my last 3 pay stubs. don't get caught in a lie

i would ask for a 90 day salary evaluation if they make you an offer or a sign-on bonus

No situation with that for me, yet i could see consistent with possibility the 'contemporary' spouse objecting to that reference. of course it may be greater suited to in basic terms say "i could want to introduce you to my beautiful spouse"