Why You Should Always Negotiate
Most employers expect candidates to negotiate. Initial offers are rarely the maximum a company will pay — they're a starting point. A well-framed counter-offer communicated professionally by email almost never costs you the offer, and frequently results in a higher salary, better title, or improved benefits. The cost of not negotiating compounds over your entire career.
How to Counter Effectively
The mechanics of a good counter-offer email are straightforward:
- ✓Express genuine enthusiasm for the offer before making your counter — it signals you're negotiating in good faith, not bluffing
- ✓Name a specific number, not a range — a range signals the bottom of the range is acceptable
- ✓Anchor your ask in market data or your current compensation — not personal financial need
3 Counter-Offer Email Templates
Each template covers a different negotiation situation. Fill in the brackets with your specifics.
Template 1 — Counter on salary
Subject: Re: Offer for [Job Title] — follow-up Hi [Hiring Manager Name], Thank you so much for the offer — I'm genuinely excited about joining [Company] and contributing to [team or project]. I've given it careful thought and I'd love to discuss the base salary. Based on my research into market rates for this role in [location/remote] and my [X years of] experience in [relevant area], I was hoping we could get to [specific number]. I believe that reflects the value I can bring to the team from day one. I'm flexible on other aspects of the package if that helps. Is there room to work toward that number? Best, [Your Name]
Template 2 — Counter on equity or signing bonus
Subject: Re: Offer for [Job Title] Hi [Hiring Manager Name], Thank you for the detailed offer — I'm very interested in moving forward. The base salary works well for me. I did want to ask about the equity component: given the stage of the company and my [relevant background], would it be possible to discuss [specific equity ask — e.g. an additional X,000 options or a higher refresh schedule]? Alternatively, if equity flexibility is limited, a signing bonus to offset [specific factor, e.g. unvested stock I'm leaving behind] would go a long way. Happy to talk through the options on a call if that's easier. [Your Name]
Template 3 — Counter with a competing offer
Subject: Re: Offer for [Job Title] — timing update Hi [Hiring Manager Name], Thank you again for the offer — I've been very impressed by [Company] throughout this process and you remain my first choice. I want to be transparent: I've received a competing offer at [amount or "a higher base"] with a decision deadline of [date]. I'd prefer to join [Company], but I'd need the offer to be closer to [your target number] for me to make that decision confidently. Is there any flexibility? I'm genuinely hoping we can make this work. Best, [Your Name]
Get help crafting your counter-offer
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Common questions
Is it rude to counter a job offer?
No. Negotiating is a normal, expected part of the hiring process. Most hiring managers respect candidates who negotiate professionally — it signals confidence and self-awareness. What can come across poorly is making unreasonable demands, issuing ultimatums, or negotiating without any justification.
What if the company says the offer is firm?
Sometimes it is, sometimes it's a negotiating position. You can respond by asking about non-salary elements like signing bonus, remote flexibility, additional PTO, or an earlier performance review. If everything is genuinely off the table and the offer doesn't meet your needs, it's fine to decline.
How much should I counter above the initial offer?
A counter of 10–20% above the initial offer is typically well-received, provided it's grounded in market data or your current compensation. Going significantly higher without strong justification can create friction. Research market rates for the role using sources like Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, or Payscale before naming a number.