We all negotiate, but some people, such as CEOs, have better negotiation skills than others. Good negotiators get the job and get the raise. You can improve your negotiation skills. Professor Michael Colatrella teaches mediation and negotiation skills at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law. In this video, he covers content from his Negotiation Seminar. The essential skills in negotiation are goal setting and preparation. Goals should be optimistic, but realistic. Have a number in mind for your goal, such as a $2,000 raise or two weeks of vacation. You will have less chance of being taken advantage of if you prepare. Prepare by knowing what you are worth based on your performance, your peers, and the industry. Then, have a picture of how you want the interview to end. Three negotiation styles are high, firm; high, flexible; and fair, firm. Studies have shown the high, flexible is the most successful. Ask for as high as you can credibly ask, based on your preparation (research). If you want a $2,000 raise, start at $5,000, and the boss might counter at something higher, say at $2,500. When you are flexible and negotiate higher, you can influence the middle. Do you ask for as much as you deserve? If not, how can you improve your negotiation skills?