I did not want to tip my hand in the very first conversation until I learned more about the company, the culture, and the position itself. The interviewer would absolutely not allow the discussion to proceed any further unless I gave her a firm number. I have been in the professional work force for over 20 years, have worked as an employee consultant for most of those years, and have never encountered such a miserable first impression. I don't know how she expected me to answer the question until I could be certain that the engagement would be even a close fit for my talents.