ah, the "be lucky they even offered you that much" routine. Got it.

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Since I can't start threads anymore

Since I've never stayed in a job longer than 3 years I have some experience here. In my current job they came in shy of what I was asking by about 5% I asked for a signing bonus (less than the 5%) and extra vacation. They gave it to me.

Another time an offer came in less than I had hoped, but I still wanted the position. I discovered the new company's health insurance was much more costly than my current. I detalied these costs to them and asked them to raise the offer to compensate. They did. I kept the insurance for a couple months then terminated it and went on my wifes while keeping the extra $.

One thing I always try to do is give them a reason. My current company matches 401k this much, health insurance costs more, longer commute and more gas money... makes it not worth it to take this offer even though I like the position.

I worked with people that squeezed out an extra week of vacation, which for my company (at that time) was normally 2 weeks for the first year (so they had 3). After you were at the company for 3 years it got bumped up anyway, so the advantage was really only for 2 years, but still worth it to the people that did it.

I'll give you an example of something I did once. I accepted a salaried position that did not pay OT. It was a bit of BS because there were many positions within the department that did. So I told them I would only be interested in paid overtime. I really never thought it would work, but I was young and thought I was hot shit. They accepted though. Over 4 years of working there I probably racked up about $30k in OT, which turned into $7,500 of additional salary per year.

You know the company and the industry better than I do, so use your best judgment. I would personally start with money and if they really dig in on that, give them an opportunity to prove they want you. "I understand the monetary restrictions on the position, but I'm very interested in the company and this position so here are some other ideas I had."

Where the **** is this place you speak of? ROFL

From the low self-esteem file

All of these are good points...especially the personal part. Having an edge or being wary/overly cautious on your next interview could cost you the one that pays you want you want.

And yes Pete.....I know several very savvy negotiators who realize that salary is just one aspect of a job and should never be a focal point. You could come out ahead negotiating any of the following:

1) More vacation
2) Telecommuting options/flex schedule
3) If a publicly held company, stock options (if not already offered)
4) Performance Bonus (or a bigger bonus if one is already on the table)
5) Wardrobe allowance (some places that require you to wear a business suit will negotiate that)
6) Commuting reimbursement (depending on how far you drive)
7) Guaranteed Severance Package (in case they decide on a layoff or you just don't work out)
8) An office...or that really nice office
9) Tuition reimbursement...in case you go for that Master's or P.H.D
10) Daycare reimbursement (if you have kids)
11) Cell phone reimbursement

Those are just some of the things that you can negotiate for that offset taking a lower salary. There are so many other things that end up being important to people at different times...like "early buyout" for retirement, scholarships for family members, etc.

Look beyond "what I am worth" to "what makes sense for me at this time in my life"

Yeah.....starting to get a better picture here.

I got a good chuckle out of that....:clap:

10 percent deduction for blaming the umps during the interview

I live and work in a mid-sized college town in the South. Good candidates are out there in good supply, especially when you offer a decent salary, good benefits, and a positive work environment that promotes personal and professional growth.

Work for a company that doesn't give you those and yes good candidates will be in short supply.

Speculating on what on that might be and what kind of company would be interested in it just made me laugh a little.

You can get that back other ways. Sign on bonus, more vacation time, higher employer match for your 401k (you can own them on this one) or just a straight up bottom line if you think they'll take it from you.

Put it this way... I am almost as good at computers and IT work as you are at sucking Obama's cock sack every day.

So...you're not good at it?
Probably why they're dicking you around.