Asking for a friend, how would you answer this question??
Friend's industry has been very badly affected by COVID so after two decades he's looking to move to something brand new.
Applied for a role that has less responsibility than current job and is very likely a lower salary, but it is what it is when moving industry and having no experience, a lesser job is better than no job.
Potential new employer has asked for his current salary (fairly decent) and his expectations (lower than current).
How would you phrase the answer to the question without a) selling yourself short or b) risking them just ruling you out if your current salary is far higher than they're offering?
Thanks in advance