First part of phone interview was the usual background questions such as clarification of my current job, why I want to leave, etc.
Then, quite out of context, the recruiter asked me my current salary. I responded that it was confidential. We fenced around but I felt that question was out of bounds. The recruiter then asked me what my salary requirements were. She even asked what it would take to maintain my standard of living, etc I found that question very strange because the market price of a job is not related to my mortgage or car payments, etc.
I responded that it depends on the duties, other benefits, etc.
The recruiter became somewhat belligerent at this point and stated the salary range for the job and asked it if was OK. I responded that I know nothing about the job, duties, benefits etc but that I would seriously consider any market offer. Keep in mind that these salary discussions started within 5 minutes of phone screen. She then said that I am required to provide a range or she would cancel my candidacy.
I said we were in a "catch 22" because there is more to compensation than salary and I can't answer the question. She abruptly ended the call by raising her voice, talking very fast and nervously that she is ending my candidacy but that I decide to contact her again with my current salary and salary requirements we could talk further. She then hung up very abruptly.
The experience was extremely baffling and I suspect there was no job to begin with and it was simply for salary research.
My impression of UHC is not very good due to this experience and the lack of professionalism of the recruiter.
More concerning is I was perfect fit for the job with unique qualifications and experience, etc.
Thankfully, I have a pretty good job right now and the experience is now a funny story to relate to my friends and colleagues.