Salary negotiation email templates: counter offer, benefits and the lowball reply

You have the offer. Now comes the email most people either skip, because they are scared of losing the job, or overwrite, because they are nervous. Neither helps.

A negotiation email should be short, warm, specific about the number, and easy to say yes to. Here are four salary negotiation email templates for the situations that come up most.

1. The counter offer

Subject: Re: Offer for [Role]

Hi [Name],

Thank you for the offer. I am excited about the role and the
team, and I want to make this work.

Based on the scope we discussed and what similar roles pay in
[location], I was hoping for a base salary of [specific number].
If we can get there, I am ready to accept.

Happy to talk it through on a call if that is easier.

Best,
[Name]

"If we can get there, I am ready to accept" does a lot of work. It tells the hiring manager that saying yes closes the deal, which is what they want to take to whoever approves the budget.

2. When salary is fixed: negotiate the rest

Hi [Name],

Thanks for explaining that the salary band is fixed. I
understand. Could we look at the rest of the package instead?
Specifically:

- a signing bonus of [amount], or
- [extra days] additional holiday, and
- a salary review at six months rather than twelve

Any of these would make the decision easy for me.

3. Replying to a lowball offer

Hi [Name],

Thank you for the offer. I will be honest: it is quite a way
below what I expected for this role, and below my current
package of [amount].

For me to move, I would need a base of around [number]. Is
there flexibility to get closer to that? I would rather find a
way to make this work than walk away.

4. Accepting in writing

Hi [Name],

Thank you for coming back so quickly. I am pleased to accept
the offer at [salary], with [any agreed extras], starting
[date].

Could you send the updated offer letter so I can sign it?

Always get the final terms in writing before you resign from your current job.

Four rules that matter more than wording

• One specific number. Not a range. They will pick the bottom of any range you give.
• Anchor on the market, not your needs. Your rent is not their problem; market rate is.
• Negotiate once, properly. Coming back three times erodes goodwill fast.
• Stay warm. You will work with these people. Tone matters as much as the number.

Questions people ask

Can you lose a job offer by negotiating salary?

It is rare when the request is polite and backed by market data. It becomes a risk with ultimatums, repeated rounds, or demands far outside the band.

How much should I counter?

Whatever your market research supports for the role. Many people counter somewhere between 5 and 15 percent above the offer, but the market figure matters more than the percentage.

Email or phone?

Email gives you time to get the wording right and a record. Offer a call as well; some managers prefer to talk.

Where to take this next

Already in the job and want more? See how to ask for a raise. To rehearse a negotiation first, try the MONEY framework prompts. The Work Arsenal covers offers, reviews and pay conversations end to end.