Walking away doesn't work if all companies are the same (and they are). As soon as you start negotiating, they'll know you got the info from your friend (these

Walking away doesn't work if all companies are the same (and they are). As soon as you start negotiating, they'll know you got the info from your friend (these HR people are not dummies even though they don't code :)). Don't tell them though; given them plausible deniability. Say something idiotic like you looked at cost of living and think that this is too low or something; just give them a excuse to up their offer. Since they like hiring in pairs, you have some pretty good leverage. Go for it, you'll probably succeed. I learned the hard way that all salary offers are open to negotiation (even if the person making the offer claims that it's not).