You can do better by following the guidelines contained in the sections that follow. A range gives you haggling room and shows that you're economically aware. These professionals are specialists at their work, like lawyers and physicians, and are paid for their time, either on a retained or contingency basis. They get paid to find good talent, and they won't let salary deter them from presenting you when your skills are a match for a job opening. Recruiters are far too busy with the matchmaking task to waste time with you if you make their work difficult.
Time is money.
No one suggests asking for the bottom of the range unless you're a rookie. You're positioning yourself as a top rookie candidate. More daring candidates head toward the top of the company's projected range. My recommendation for seasoned aces who are prime candidates is to head for the top 15 percent of the range, and if your qualifications will support it, the absolute top or even above. If you come in at too low a figure, within a few months you can ask your boss to put more dollars between you and those you supervise.