Objection #1: You’ve been fired from your last job

First of all, don’t blow issue out of proportion, either to yourself or to interviewer. Remember, this is fairly common these days. Employers know it too.

There are at least three ways you can handle this issue. If you left your previous employer on reasonably cordial terms, consider asking them to allow you to say you resigned from job. Many employers will agree to this.

Another option is to state facts in a concise, drama-free manner. Tactfully discuss what happened and acknowledge your role in it. You could mention a difference of opinion or personal style as a root cause. Often, candidates who take this approach find that whole thing was no big deal to new employer.

A third way out is to avoid mentioning job from which you were fired. This may work if you held it for less than five or six months. I personally don’t advocate lying in your resume -- it is unethical and can backfire badly -- but you should be aware that this is an option some candidates use effectively.

Objection #2: You have bad references

Don’t assume that your previous employer will say only good things about you when someone calls up for a reference check. If you suspect that your boss may give bad feedback, find someone else to act as your reference. Possibilities include your boss’s boss or someone else who’s senior enough and has observed your work.

You could also use a client as a reference, particularly if you’re in sales or other jobs involving extensive customer interactions. Other possibilities include bankers or lawyers you deal with. While these are alternatives, interviewer might wonder why you didn’t mention someone within company as a reference.

Another option is to briefly explain that you didn’t always see eye to eye with your boss and so you would ask that someone else be approached for a reference check. Many employers appreciate this approach and are willing to go along with it.

1. There’s no need to accept offer on spot. Do express your appreciation for their offer and ask how long you can take to make a decision. Use that time to prepare your approach. Remember, they need you just as much as you need them. Come from a position of strength and confidence.

2. Be clear on your priorities -- know what’s critical to you personally and what’s not. Based on this, define your deal-points and deal breaking points. This should not be limited to your salary.

3. That brings up this important point -- negotiate more than just salary. Maybe things like extra days of vacations, certain types of expenses you want taken care of, flexible working hours, etc, based on what’s important to you.

4. Be yourself. Don’t try to adopt a negotiation style that’s not you. Don’t try to be overly cooperative if you are aggressive by nature, or vice versa. Conduct negotiations keeping in mind industry, position and person you’re negotiating with. Always be tactful and considerate -- rudeness has no place in any discussion.

5. Be patient and willing to hold out for what you deserve. The whole process may require more than one meeting and could take several weeks. Don’t rush it. Also, be willing to walk away from an offer (unless you’re unemployed and in a desperate position). That’s a tried and true tactic that often brings results, though you should be prepared to lose offer if you do use this approach.