I'd recommend you just not fool around with this and be straight. Say hey, you offered me X and I think I can get Y at other companies, will you offer me more o

I'd recommend you just not fool around with this and be straight. Say hey, you offered me X and I think I can get Y at other companies, will you offer me more or should I go elsewhere? I wouldn't mention your friend at all. There are many people with more $$$ than you, why should you get it? You need to be aware of the current power in the negotiations. The current job market gives the employer a few extra points, but if you are an awesome programmer you may have a lot of offers. Actually having other offers is helpful. This is also a risky "bird in the hand vs two in the bush" kind of a thing. At least the notes on these should be useful : http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Sloan-School-of-Management/15-665BPower-and-NegotiationFall2002/CourseHome/ http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Sloan-School-of-Management/15-665B... http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Sloan-School-of-Management/15-067Competitive-Decision-Making-and-NegotiationSpring2003/CourseHome/ http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Sloan-School-of-Management/15-067C...