NEGOTIATIONS: If the thought of negotiating a salary made you cringe in the past, the thinning job market and faltering economy could add to that anxiety.

But Dick Gaither, co-author of the recently published book "Next-Day Job Interview," says that passive acceptance will cost you even as the economy recovers. He gives these suggestions for enhancing a job offer:

• Don't assume pay and benefits aren't negotiable. Most employers expect to make an adjustment to pay, benefits, perks, work schedules or work locations.

• Know in advance what the high, low and average salary levels are for a person with your experience and education are.

• Be able to present concrete and measurable examples of your skills and your value to the company — how you'll make them money, save time or solve problems, for instance.

• If financial woes limit an employer and you can't negotiate for more money, compromise with things that can translate into money like extra vacation time, education reimbursements or travel allowances.

• Don't say yes too quickly. The longer an interviewer talks to you, the more likely you'll be able to negotiate better pay.

• Be patient and persistent. Find the right timing and don't give up too quickly, even if the employer isn't receptive the first time around.

GENDER INEQUALITY: A recent study has found a new way to examine pay disparities between men and women: Comparing the salaries of transgender employees before and after their gender changes.

The study in The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy, an academic journal published by The Berkeley Electronic Press, found that while the average earnings for women who changed their gender slightly increased after the transition, it fell by nearly a third for workers who went from male to female.