Most people are uncomfortable talking about salary, particularly when job hunting.
As in many other investments, they know there may be give and take on both sides before a fair, mutually satisfying price is reached. But let's be realistic. So it's in your best long-term career interest to do some smart bargaining while you still hold some cards. Some employers start this bargaining early by asking candidates to include salary information with their letters of application. The following reader is looking for a smooth way out of this sticky situation.