Welcome to Mind Tools' Video Learning Series. Negotiating a job offer is rarely easy. You may lack confidence or fear rejection, or you might worry about seeming too pushy. But many employers will expect you to negotiate, and if you do it well you might just get a new contract that's better than you'd ever imagined. So, in this video, we'll look at seven key points you'll need to consider to successfully negotiate a job offer. First, take into account the whole offer. Yes, your base salary is important but think about bonuses, pensions, and health insurance, too. Also don't overlook your work-life balance. What will your vacation allowance be? How will the daily commute impact your day? Are there any opportunities for flexible working? Second, focus on your market value. Research the industry average for your position and find out what local competitors pay. Look at where the company is based and the amount of competition in the labor market. As you negotiate, emphasize your unique experience, skills and achievements. What can you offer that no one else can? Third, establish your reasons for negotiating. If your job offer falls short in an important way, speak up, but be wary of haggling for the sake of it. Assess your bargaining position. If you are in a strong position, you may be able to negotiate for more. For example, you might already be in a good job or you could be considering several offers, but if you are out of work and you've not had any other offers you may need to compromise. Practice your delivery style and strategy. Rehearse your negotiation, and remember to ask for everything you want now to avoid the need to reopen the negotiation later down the line. Whether you are negotiating face to face, or over the phone, always conduct yourself professionally and politely. Say how pleased you are to have received the offer, but be assertive about what you want. Finally know when to walk away. If you are still unhappy with the offer on the table don't sell yourself short. Use what you've learned to help you in your next job negotiation. To find out more about how to negotiate a job offer successfully, read the article that accompanies this video. © 2022 Mind Tools by Emerald Works Limited.