I agree. You should do your best to know what a realistic comp profile is for the role you are applying for BEFORE you apply. This is much easier nowadays with all the information available online. Assuming you know the rough range for the position you can simply ask for the high end of the range. I recommend even asking for 5-10% above the top of range. They may balk. They may try to sniff around what your current comp is. How Machiavellian you want to get at that point is up to you. In my experience companies generally don't blink at high base compensation as long as it is close to their defined range. If you are asking for a big signing bonus or for the hiring company to cover the bonus you would miss out on by leaving, or for them to cover your retention agreement, then they may ask for some evidence of that.