How to handle the 'low ball' job offer

In such hard times when jobs are scarce and you need a paycheck, should you settle for a position, even if it means earning less than you need or deserve? Many businesses, facing their own economic constraints, are giving new hires less money than they made in their last job.

"As the downturn deepens, an increasing number of job seekers will find themselves getting lower-paying offers," Mark Royal, a senior consultant at Hay Group, told the Wall Street Journal. "We are on the cusp of a trend."

Experts suggest eagerness to work for lower pay can send the wrong signal that you are desperate. But rather than immediately reject or accept a low ball deal, employment experts suggest carefully negotiating to try to win a compromise, such as a faster pay review.

Jim Camp, president of Camp Group, a negotiaiton consulting firm, said you must grasp a potential employer's problems so you can promote yourself as a problem solver worth more than the proposed low pay. "To negotiate in tough times, you have to be able to create a vision," he said.

Of course, there are time when you must just say no. That could be when you just can't live on the salary, your negotiations fall flat, or other and better opportunities might be awaiting.

For more on dealing with the low-balled job offer:
- check out this Wall Street Journal article