One way to get a clear picture of how competing offers compare - or how a single offer compares with your dream job - is to create a decision matrix.

List the factors that matter most to you, then assign each a relative weight out of a total weight of 100. (For example, career opportunity, 30; salary, 30; rapport with supervisor, 20; benefits, 10; location, 10.)

When you receive an offer, rate how strong the offer is on each factor, on a scale of zero to ten. Add up the results for each factor, and you'll have a score for the offer out of a possible 90 points.

This exercise will help you to stay focused on the factors that are most important to you, identify your main negotiating points, and recognize when you should probably look elsewhere.