A Big Step Down

With more than six million jobs lost since the recession began, many job seekers have less leverage when it comes to salary. Nonetheless, a real low-ball offer is a red flag, Ms. Chopra says.

It can be tough for workers to figure out how low is too low, Mr. Miller says, adding that job seekers should stay strong as long as they know they are worth more than a company's low offer.

'In today's times, the employee is asked to do a lot more,' he says. 'If you are not making the money you are supposed to, you will probably be miserable.'

Job seekers also should be wary of taking a title that's too far below their most recent position, says Allison O'Kelly, chief executive of Mom Corps, an Atlanta-based staffing firm specializing in flexible employment.

At least temporarily, a salary can be less important than a title, Ms. O'Kelly says, because 'it will be hard to get back into the higher role.' She adds that 'people looking at your résumé will wonder why you were willing to take such a low-level position. They will think you should be more resourceful and able to find other jobs. I would prefer seeing that you are earning a little less, but that your title remains at a higher level. You will be better off.'

薪水大幅下调

经济开始衰退之后已经有600多万人失去了工作，很多求职者在薪酬方面已经不再那么计较。但乔普拉指出，接受一份薪水非常低的工作是个危险的信号。

米勒说，求职者很难知道究竟什么薪酬水平是太低。他补充称，只要求职者认为自己的应有薪水高于公司开出的低工资，那就应该坚持自己的立场。

他说，在当今的时代，雇员们被要求做更多的事情。如果你赚的钱没有达到应有的水平，你以后的日子可能会不好过。

关注于弹性就业的亚特兰大猎头公司Mom Corps首席执行长奥凯利(Allison O'Kelly)说，求职者还应该谨慎，不要接受比他们最近工作低很多的职位。

奥凯利说，至少暂时来说，薪水的重要性低于职位，因为要从低职位重回较高职位很难。她补充称，人们以后看到你的简历，会想你为什么会接受如此低的一个职位。他们会认为你应该更有出路，能够找到其他工作。我情愿看到你挣的少点，但你的职位仍然保持在一个较高的水平。这样对你更有利。