How to ask for a raise
I received a job offer for a similar position to my current job but there was a 43% premium in salary. I prefer my office culture and like the people I work with. 

Can I use this job offer as leverage for a raise? Would it be bad if my employers heard I was applying to other jobs? 
[{"id": "ekd8ts2", "text": "Usually you can use an offer like that to negotiate a raise. But that's a huge increase, so it might not go the way you think. \n\nMaybe ask your current job for a raise, but don't mention you have applied somewhere. See how they react. If they down play it or don't even come close then you know. ", "replies": [{"id": "eke1zad", "text": "Solid advice ", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "eke7sk9", "text": "Thanks for the advice. I agree with this completely. Finding it difficult to ask my employer for a raise especially since I\u2019ve only been with the company for 7 months. \n\nWaiting for the one year mark would be the prudent decision. Just hard to give up on potential increased earnings.. ", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ekdxs3a", "text": "Time to leave", "replies": [{"id": "eke7n4s", "text": "Easier said than done. A lot more growth potential with my current job than the job offer. Won\u2019t be an easy decision. ", "replies": [{"id": "ekpjpxh", "text": "Idk I mean would you take a 40% pay cut to work somewhere there might be more opportunity? Probably not. You could be leaving a lot of money off of the table", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ekfykhj", "text": "I guess it depends on how old you are. I would never use another offer to try to get a raise. Get a raise by pitching your value. If they say no leave. I thought my old job had a great culture until I started making over 400%+ somewhere else. Most people are cool new culture is cool too. If it\u2019s your first job out of college it\u2019s time to jump ship.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]