Recently, I heard an interesting dilemma from a woman I met at a local gathering. She received job offers from two companies almost simultaneously within a few weeks. I laughed and said I was envious, but she didn't seem as cheerful. Weighing two good offers can be stressful, and her real concern was how to use this as a negotiation tool.

In fact, having two offers is not just a happy dilemma; it's a powerful weapon in negotiations. From the company's perspective, they've already decided to hire this person, and knowing that she's receiving interest from other places adds confidence to that decision. The challenge is how to present this card.

First, let's look at the numbers. According to a CareerBuilder survey, 73 percent of employers expect candidates to negotiate their salaries. However, 55 percent of workers don't even attempt to negotiate. So, while there are expectations, less than half actually ask. Additionally, a survey cited by CNBC shows that 85 percent of those who attempted to negotiate, whether for salary or benefits, received at least some of what they wanted. Not trying is actually a disadvantage.

So, how do you actually use two offers as a negotiation tool? Here's how I would approach it.

First, being transparent and not hiding the fact that you have other offers can be advantageous. If you communicate clearly that you are carefully comparing offers from other companies, the recruiter will see it as a signal that they shouldn't miss out on you. Many people miss the timing by being overly cautious and indirect.

Second, don't just throw out salary numbers; specify the conditions that are really important to you. This could include the remote work ratio, vacation days, or signing bonuses. When you lay out both offers side by side, each company has its strengths. By accurately pointing out those differences, the negotiation can become much more focused.

Third, politely request a decision deadline. It's better to ask both companies for a few more days rather than showing urgency. In reality, it's quite rare for a company to withdraw an offer during the negotiation process. Various surveys have shown that only about one in ten companies will retract an offer if negotiations are somewhat tense.

Fourth, summarizing the conversations in emails can reduce the chances of misunderstandings later. It's important to document the conditions instead of just finishing the conversation over the phone.

However, never pretend to have offers that you don't or inflate the numbers. If this is discovered later, trust can be shattered, and in a small industry, rumors spread quickly. Remember that negotiation is not a battle of wills but a conversation where both parties honestly align their situations.

Ultimately, having two offers is a moment that validates your worth. Don't be afraid; express your conditions clearly and with gratitude. A successful negotiation can impact your career for years to come.