Step 1: Let’s face it. Since we do not live in Utopia, chances are the job offer will not be perfect. Rather than slipping into a deep depression, go back to the job analysis form above and concentrate on all of your “no” answers. Make a list of them in ascending order of importance.

Step 2: Beside each of them write what you ideally want as well as your “walk-away position.” Come up with plausible reasons for each. Then decide how many you’d like to “win” in order to accept the position.

     Congratulations! You now have your counter- offer and the strategy to be used.