The illegally asked for my past salary and balked when I told them ($88k, perfectly reasonable for a mid level ME). The hiring manager had a stack of resumes on his desk with salaries written on them. "Under the Illinois Equal Pay Act (820 ILCS 112/10(b-5)), it is illegal for employers to request or require a job applicant's wage or salary history. Each violation is subject to a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per occurrence, and applicants may also bring civil action for damages, including up to $10,000 in special damages, plus attorney’s fees and costs"