Getting considered for some interesting stuff and recruiters are constantly pressing me to get a number (one recruiter asked twice on two separate conversations). After a while, I caved and just gave a range slightly above current base so I could just move past it. On a recent setup for a phone/introductory interview, the recruiter sent the number I mentioned over. But when I got the job description, it actually looks to entail more work than I realized and I'm wondering if I still have a chance to use some bullshit about the market to get a higher number, which I think would actually be warranted, later down the line when I had planned to really talk numbers.
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It's annoying, but headhunters like to know comp so as to not waste anyone's time by sending you jobs you wouldn't pursue. HHs get paid a % of your new salary, so it's in their best interest to get you the highest amount possible.
When the comp question comes up with HHs, I usually turn it around and talk about the comp for the position you're talking about. You should roughly know the market rate, and give a range (not a single number) that you'd be happy with. If they continue to press on your current comp, inflate it to market rate for your position if it's not already. They know people do this all the time. HHs don't set the pay, the actual hiring team does along with HR, so you will always have a chance to reset that conversation during the interview process.
If you're interviewing with HR, FUCK THEM and don't say anything. Ask what the position offers, and if it's close to what you'd accept then say so. You can push for more later on if you get an offer, but only if the team really likes you.
I think there's already been some great advice given on how to handle Recruiters and comp questions. However, I would like to provide advice as to the particular "Pickle" you described with providing a comp number that is undervalued to the responsibilities of the position, and how to rectify the situation.
In this particular instance, honesty is the best policy and having had conversations like this before, I would highly recommend a similar approach. I would tell the interviewers if comp came up in the discussion, "The comp I gave the recruiter were based off of initial conversations before we dove into specifics about any particular job. Having reviewed the requirements more thoroughly, and given the time commitment I see this job requiring of me to do a proper and thorough job. I would be more comfortable and happier earning around $XXX,XXX.XX. I would love to hear your thoughts on where this lies on your spectrum and where we might come to an agreement?"
Basically I provided a long winded example of, be straight forward, don't bullshit, and simply have a conversation with them. Comp is a big deal, and can be a non-starter. Best to lay the cards out on the table to see if there is mutual agreement.. and if not, how can you go about reaching agreement.
Never disclose comp. Never, ever, ever. The only reason anyone asks for your comp is so that they can lowball you. Don't believe this BS about how companies just want to make sure you're on the same page salary-wise. If companies actually wanted that, they would disclose a salary range in the job posting, but they don't because they want your number so they can lowball you. It really is a sleazy negotiation tactic.
When I get asked about comp, I politely state that I am not disclosing that and then ask what the expected salary range. Never disclose your actual comp, what you want, or even a lower number. If you have some time, watch Ramit Sethi's salary negotiation videos on YouTube. They're excellent.