I got a live one and I just blogged on it. Take a look at Jennifer and let me know - how would you coach her?

Jennifer is a mid level systems administrator with good skills in infrastructure, engineering, routers/switches/wireless APs, server configuration and administration as well as some security. She is currently employed but the company is being downsized, with positions going offshore. There is a large concern over her career future and she is interviewing at a local employer for a similar role. She makes 68,000 currently. Recently she added her CCNA to her MCSE, MCP certification list. She is also nearing completion of her PMP.

With the uncertainly of her employer, she has began the search process and was referred to a role within a local company. After interviewing under strict competition, she has been selected as the lead candidate and they are beginning to discuss compensation, benefits, vacation - the overall package. That overall package has changed since her original discussion with the company. At the beginning, the manager had discussed approx 70k. Not a large increase, however with stability and their benefits - it is attractive. HR has now issued an offer letter with an annual salary of 63,500 and no bonus (another perk the manager had mentioned).

How do I respond? What do I do? I like the company, they are doing real well and it would offer stability. But now I am taking a step back, the numbers are not what the manager said. Is this a trend I should look at? Are all promises going to undelivered on? Can I negotiate without pushing them off? What are my options?