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]? Alternatively, if equity flexibility is limited, a signing bonus to offset [specific factor] 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] 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
Paste the job description and offer details. Applyvo helps you draft a professional, confident counter-offer email.
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 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.
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. Research market rates for the role using sources like Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, or Payscale before naming a number.