Salary Negotiation Email Scripts: Counter an Offer Professionally
Almost every employer expects one counter, and most have room to move. These scripts keep the tone collaborative while making a specific, justified ask.
Script 1: buying time
"Thank you — I'm genuinely excited about this role and the team. Could you send the full written offer including base, bonus and benefits? I'd like to review it properly and come back to you by Thursday."
This is standard and expected. Nobody withdraws an offer over a two-day review request.
Script 2: the counter
"I'm pleased to accept the role, and I'd like to align on compensation first. Based on market data for this scope in [location] and the [specific experience] I bring, I'm targeting [number]. If we can meet at [number], I'm ready to sign today."
One number, one justification, one clear close. Do not apologise, do not list personal expenses, and do not counter twice.
Script 3: when the budget is genuinely fixed
"I understand base is capped at [number]. Could we look at a signing bonus, an earlier performance review at six months, additional leave, or a remote-work allowance instead?"
Non-salary items often come from different budgets and are far easier to approve.
- Signing bonus or relocation support
- Six-month salary review with defined criteria
- Additional annual leave or flexible hours
- Learning budget, equipment or home-office allowance
- Title adjustment that affects your next move
Script 4: competing offers
"I have another offer at [number], but this role is my preference. If you can get to [number], I'll accept today and withdraw from the other process."
Only use this if it is true and you would genuinely accept. Bluffing here fails badly when called.
What not to do
Do not negotiate before you have an offer, do not counter more than once, do not use personal financial need as the argument, and never accept verbally and renegotiate afterwards.
Negotiate a job offer by email: step by step
- 1Ask for the offer in writingRequest the full package in writing and 48 hours to review it.
- 2Benchmark the numberCollect three independent market reference points for the role, level and location.
- 3Decide your askChoose one primary number and two secondary items you would accept instead.
- 4Send one clear counterReaffirm enthusiasm, state the number, justify it with value and market data.
- 5Confirm in writingOnce agreed, get the revised package documented before resigning anywhere.
RR JobCopilot features that do this for you
Frequently asked questions
Can negotiating cost me the offer?
It is extremely rare when the counter is professional, specific and made once. Employers expect it and budget for it.
How much more should I ask for?
Typically 8-20% above the initial offer, anchored to market data rather than to a feeling about the number.
Should I negotiate by email or on a call?
Email gives you a written record and time to phrase things precisely. Take a call if they request one, then confirm what was agreed by email.