As the job market continues to improve, the possibility that you could receive more than one job offer may become a reality, especially if you work in a field where the demand is rising fast and the supply of attractive candidates in your market dwindles daily.
Q: I've been unemployed for over six months, and finally got a new job offer that I want to accept. But the salary is a lot less than what I used to make, as well as what the job market says I'm worth. I'd really like to try some salary negotiation so that my pay is more in line with my experience, but I don't know how to do this – or what the consequences might be.
When you want a raise or promotion , a new computer system, a vacation during a very busy month , or a company-paid MBA , do you:
"The first time I decided to leave my job, the main reason was to get a higher salary ," says a New York web developer. "But then my company entered into a negotiation and made me a counteroffer of more money , which prompted me to stay. When I decided to leave that job for the second time, however, having a better work environment was more important to me than a higher salary.
Jan has been job hunting for several months , ever since a bank merger resulted in her getting laid off . Recently she received a job offer from a tech firm, and she really likes the job description, the people, the corporate culture and the opportunities for growth. The only problem is the salary. The company is offering $12,000 less than she thinks she deserves.
Q: I'm in my early 40's. I spent the first few years of my career in various technical positions and eventually, through job changes, progressed to middle management. While nothing is wrong with my current job, and in this economy I feel lucky to be employed, I have absolutely no opportunity for advancement .
Q: When discussing salary during a job interview , how do I avoid giving a specific dollar amount before my potential employer does? I don't want to seem difficult, but I prefer and prefer not to lock myself into a lower salary range than the company had intended.
Many employers are planning to reinstate salary increases in 2010, but some compensation experts say base salaries are unlikely to return to pre-recession levels anytime soon. Of 555 large U.S.