[JMTQp8lwXL]

What are your odds your current employer will offer you a raise in response to an external offer? I know it's only business -- but doesn't damage working relationship with your manager if you were to get an external offer, then take a pay raise, instead of leaving? It'd make you appear as a flight risk.

[madengr]

I got a good promotion after threatening to leave. Then 2 years later got a retention bonus and 12% raise, without asking.

They key is, you have to be willing to do it, and can only play that card once with your employer. I have been at the same place 23 years, and played that card at year 20.

[xj9]

communication is key. they should be aware of the market rate for their employees and adjust compensation accordingly, but i try to be very clear from the get go that i'm in it for the money and how i define my relationship with their organization. i also tend to decline non-monetary perks to drive it home that i am motivated primarily by compensation.