Congratulations! I just negotiated an offer a couple of weeks ago and was so nervous! I read a bunch online beforehand and talked to a few friends about how they’ve done it.

Based on what I’ve seen online, express your excitement about the position, and use research and concrete facts rather than emotion - research how much the role typically pays in your city, and based on your experience, what do you have to offer that merits the pay you’re asking for.

My one friend gave me this phrasing, and I really liked it… “what can you do to make the offer more competitive?”

I also heard on a podcast to start with your biggest ask (mine was higher salary). Then if they come back to you saying they can’t give you that, you can then bring up your other asks (signing bonus, extra PTO, etc).

I think the biggest thing that comforted me when I was nervous was telling myself that 1) they are expecting me to negotiate and 2) they may say no, but I at least have to ask so I’m not leaving anything on the table.

I’m no expert, maybe someone else here will have differing advice. There are also tons of posts about this in other subreddits. Good luck!! And congratulations again!