maybe less words than that, so it's literally the mental model in my head. Repeating something like a robot is probably better than blurting out the number but having a real game plan and treating the recruiter as a partner is probably better.
If I may, I wouldn't think of the recruiter as an authority figure (they have none...) Rather they are your partner. Their best case scenario is that you are a good candidate for their job and they get to fill it. Which is also your best case scenario!
So it's more about how do you get there together collaboratively - at least that's how I frame it in my mind. So when they ask for something I don't want to share I respond more from the frame that it's not the piece of info that would help right now but here's how we should play it.
But your script is definitely a good start!
This is actually a really fantastic idea. You should absolutely do this.
LOL. I'd probably read it like a bank heist hostage. Ideally, while blinking rapidly and visibly sweating on the Zoom meeting.
"At this point, I don’t feel equipped to throw out a number because I’d like to find out more about the opportunity first – right now, I simply don’t have the data to be able to say something concrete. If you end up making me an offer, I would be more than happy to iterate on it if needed and figure out something that works. I promise not to accept other offers until I have a chance to discuss them with you."
i love it. I would have to have that right in front of me and read it word for word. And if I get pushed to reveal a number I would need to just pause and slowly repeat it again word for word like a robot.