Competing Offers

More than one offer? Handle it with transparency and class: "I have another offer with a Friday deadline, but this role is my first choice. Can we talk timing?" Then negotiate the whole package, not just base pay — benefits, equity, signing bonus, and flexibility can change the real value.

Keep three hard rules: never invent an offer, never reveal another company's exact pay number, and never use leverage you would not act on. Recruiters talk, and a fake pressure tactic can quietly close doors at companies you have not even applied to yet.