I conducted 60 interviews in 2 months – here's what I learned

Salaries set expectations in both directions. Salaries are just numbers but expectations aren’t always clear. Had I learned during the interview process of the last job that 85% of the application lived in SQL and there was no automation I would have not taken the job.

Now I play it safe. I set expectations low with a number around 40% of the range, just below average. It, coupled with my trillions of years experience, says you won’t have to hold my hand and in return I expect to do very little work. It’s an implicit don’t waste my time and I won’t waste yours kind of thing. Also implicit is that no hiring me will cost you much more in both time and money.