Many interpersonal skills are the same for both the interviewing and negotiating portions of the job search cycle. Maintaining good eye contact, smiling pleasantly, listening intently, answering questions honestly, asking for relevant information, and being professional are several important facets of the process. Be assertive but reasonable in your requests for improving the offer, knowing that the salary offered initially could be a low end of the range for that position, and gracefully inquire how that may be improved (or offset by a signing bonus, quicker review, or other incentive pay).

However tempting it may be to leap at the first meaningful offer, it pays to consider all the factors in making that decision. Nothing positive comes from accepting a position with a firm that you are unhappy in working for at low wages or benefits, poor conditions, or unacceptable hours/location. Finally, thank the interviewer for the time spent and the consideration the company has afforded you by tendering an offer.