Thoughts on fishing for a competitive offer by applying for a job without intending to take it? Does this burn bridges for the future or create more opportunities?

I tried that twice and ended up getting sold on the new job offer, haha. Sorry can't be more helpful. But - Yes it probably doesn't help your internal reputation - have you tried asking for a raise based on info from glassdoor rather than a competitive offer?

Have personally put my firm on probation till the end of the year, would make the jump then if it came to that, but would prefer they address the issues instead. Thought a competitive offer might help encourage them...

Depends on a lot of factors. If they think you're being aggressive / difficult, and are more of a hassle than the value you bring they may just tell you to take the other offer. I'd recommend working with your career counselor or mentor to come to a constructive collaborative solution rather than forcing an ultimatum like that. Partners have big egos and they may not react well to being "threatened"... But just my $0.02.

Thanks, K1. I've brought in some decent-sized deals for them and some other good-looking ones in the pipe. That plus high performance reviews makes me wish my salary weren't 15-20% below market... hence considering alternatives

Sounds like you're in a good position to negotiate. I had a similar situation this year (being underpaid vs market) and asked my counselor "how should I approach this conversation with HR to make sure I'm paid at market going forward". I provided glassdoor and internal stats showing where I should be vs where I am, and he called HR directly on my behalf to point out the issue, and said they were going to meet my expectation. I will find out in October whether it worked! . Being a woman may have helped since everyone's so sensitive about gender pay gaps these days. Would definitely recommend getting someone senior to speak about it on your behalf, I think it carries more weight than you going to hr directly

But if you're determined to jump ship, we may be hiring in your area ;)

Thanks again, K1. Btw, the question was more from the receiving firm's point of view. If you turn down an offer, will they consider you again?

Ooh, sorry didn't read it that way. I've never seen it happen personally but I wouldn't be surprised if the reapplication caused some red flags, especially if within one or two years...

@k1 I'm in the same exact position as you. I told my PML and during our year end review he said don't expect much of a bump this year since we missed our targets. Should I approach HR? Who in HR? What do you recommend

@k1 how did you provide internal stats?

I had a situation where I turned down Deloitte's offer when I was at ACN because Accenture matched it. Then Deloitte came back with a much higher offer a couple weeks later which I took. Unintended (positive) consequence was that my vacation at Accenture was paid out at a much higher rate because they had already increased my salary to the original matched offer.