I just wrapped up an interview process and was informed that I might receive a verbal offer tomorrow, pending good references. This is a big moment for me, but I’m feeling anxious about the negotiation part since I've never been great at it. My experience with job offers in the US is limited to just one position, so I'm not entirely familiar with the etiquette involved in negotiating offers. Given the current job market, I’m aware that my leverage is not strong, and I really don’t want to risk losing this opportunity by asking for too much. I’m trying to figure out the best approach to negotiate without scaring them off or prompting them to consider other candidates. When I receive the verbal offer, should I first ask about benefits and then request some time to review everything? Is it appropriate to come back with a counteroffer later? I’m also unsure about how to ask for a higher salary or additional time off without jeopardizing the offer. I’ve read that the negotiation typically happens before a formal written offer is made, but I’m not entirely sure. I feel a bit overwhelmed and would appreciate any advice on how to navigate this process.