Getting a job offer is exciting, but what if the salary isn’t quite what you hoped for? Don’t worry – you can ask for more money. Many people feel nervous about negotiating pay, but it’s a normal part of the hiring process. You can boost your chances of getting a better salary by making a strong counter offer. This means suggesting a higher amount than what the company first offered. It’s important to be polite and professional when you do this. In this article, we’ll show you some easy scripts and templates you can use. These tools will help you feel more confident when asking for the pay you deserve.
Examples of Persuasive Salary Counter Offers
Template 1
Dear [Name],
Thank you for the offer of [position] at [company]. I’m excited about the opportunity to join your team.
Given my [skills/experience], I was hoping for a salary closer to [desired amount]. Would you be open to [counter offer]?
I’m confident I can bring significant value to [company] and look forward to discussing this further.
Best,
[Your Name]
Example:
Dear Sarah,
Thank you for the offer of Marketing Manager at (…) Corp. I’m excited about the opportunity to join your team.
Given my 5 years of experience and proven track record, I was hoping for a salary closer to $85,000. Would you be open to $82,000?
I’m confident I can bring significant value to (…) Corp and look forward to discussing this further.
Best,
John
Template 2
Hi [Name],
I appreciate the job offer for [position]. I’m thrilled about the prospect of working with [company].
Based on my research, the market rate for this role is [amount]. Could we discuss adjusting the salary to [counter offer]?
I’m eager to contribute to [company]’s success and believe this adjustment aligns with industry standards.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Example:
Hi Mark,
I appreciate the job offer for Software Developer. I’m thrilled about the prospect of working with (…) Corp.
Based on my research, the market rate for this role is $95,000. Could we discuss adjusting the salary to $92,000?
I’m eager to contribute to (…) Corp’s success and believe this adjustment aligns with industry standards.
Thanks,
Emma
Template 3
Hello [Name],
Thank you for offering me the [position] role. I’m enthusiastic about contributing to [company].
While the offer is appealing, I was expecting a salary range of [desired range]. Would you consider [counter offer]?
I’m excited about the potential to grow with [company] and am open to further discussion.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Example:
Hello Tom,
Thank you for offering me the Graphic Designer role. I’m enthusiastic about contributing to (…) Corp.
While the offer is appealing, I was expecting a salary range of $60,000-$65,000. Would you consider $62,000?
I’m excited about the potential to grow with (…) Corp and am open to further discussion.
Warm regards,
Michael
Template 4
Dear [Name],
I’m grateful for the offer of [position] at [company]. The role aligns perfectly with my career goals.
Given my [specific achievements], I believe a salary of [counter offer] would be fair. Can we discuss this further?
I’m eager to bring my skills to [company] and contribute to its continued success.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example:
Dear Rachel,
I’m grateful for the offer of Financial Analyst at (…) Corp. The role aligns perfectly with my career goals.
Given my CPA certification and experience saving my previous company $500,000, I believe a salary of $72,000 would be fair. Can we discuss this further?
I’m eager to bring my skills to (…) Corp and contribute to its continued success.
Sincerely,
David
Template 5
Dear [Name],
Thank you for the job offer. I’m excited about the role. Could we discuss the salary? I believe [amount] would better match my skills and experience.
Best regards, [Your Name]
Example:
Dear Sarah,
Thank you for the marketing manager offer. I’m thrilled about joining (…) Corp. Could we discuss the salary? I believe $75,000 would better match my 5 years of experience and track record of increasing sales by 30%.
Best regards,
John
Template 6
Hi [Name],
I appreciate the offer of [amount]. Given my [skills/experience], I’m hoping for [higher amount]. Can we make this work?
Thanks, [Your Name]
Example:
Hi Mark,
I appreciate the offer of $60,000. Given my MBA and 3 years in finance, I’m hoping for $68,000. Can we make this work?
Thanks,
Emily
Template 7
Dear [Name],
Thanks for the offer. I’m looking for a salary closer to [amount]. If that’s not possible, could we discuss other benefits like extra vacation days or remote work options?
Best, [Your Name]
Example:
Dear Alex,
Thanks for the offer. I’m looking for a salary closer to $70,000. If that’s not possible, could we discuss other benefits like an extra week of vacation or working from home on Fridays?
Best,
Samantha
Salary Negotiation Scripts and Dialogues
- Strategy 1: Asking for more
“Thank you for the offer. I’m excited about the role, but was hoping for [desired amount]. Is there any flexibility on the salary?”
Example: “Thank you for offering $60,000. I’m excited about the marketing position, but was hoping for $65,000. Is there any flexibility on the salary?”
- Strategy 2: Countering with a range
“I appreciate the offer of [offered amount]. Based on my experience and skills, I was expecting a salary between [lower amount] and [higher amount]. Can we discuss this further?”
Example: “I appreciate the offer of $70,000. Based on my experience and skills, I was expecting a salary between $75,000 and $80,000. Can we discuss this further?”
- Strategy 3: Proposing alternative benefits
“If increasing the base salary isn’t possible, could we explore other options like extra vacation days or a signing bonus?”
Example: “If increasing the base salary isn’t possible, could we explore other options like an extra week of vacation or a $5,000 signing bonus?”
Effective Salary Negotiation Communication: Example Phrases
- “I appreciate this offer and am excited about the role.”
- “Can we discuss the compensation package?”
- “My research shows the market rate is…”
- “Given my experience, I was expecting…”
- “What flexibility do we have here?”
- “I’m aiming for a salary in the range of…”
- “How can we close this gap?”
- “This role is a great fit, and I’d like to make it work.”
- “I’ve consistently exceeded targets in my current role.”
- “My unique skills in X and Y bring extra value.”
- “I’m confident I can deliver excellent results.”
- “Can we revisit this in 6 months based on performance?”
- “What other benefits could we consider?”
- “I’m excited to join the team and contribute.”
- “This adjustment would make me feel valued.”
- “I’m committed to exceeding expectations in this role.”
- “Can we explore creative solutions?”
- “My goal is a win-win outcome for both of us.”
- “Thank you for considering my request.”
Crafting Your Counter Offer
Components of a Strong Counter Offer
A strong counter offer includes more than just a higher base salary. You should think about your total compensation package. This might include bonuses, stock options, and other perks.
For example, you could ask for:
- A 10% increase in base salary
- A signing bonus of $5,000
- An extra week of vacation time
- Remote work options 2 days per week
Be sure to prioritize what matters most to you. If you value work-life balance, you might focus on vacation time or flexible hours. If long-term growth is your goal, you could emphasize stock options or professional development opportunities.
Handling Responses and Outcomes
When the Employer Accepts Your Counter Offer
Example Phrases:
- “Thank you so much! I’m thrilled to accept.”
- “I’m excited to start working with you all.”
- “When would you like me to begin?”
- “I really appreciate your flexibility.”
- “This is fantastic news. I can’t wait to get started.”
- “I’m looking forward to contributing to the team.”
- “Thank you for valuing my skills and experience.”
- “I’m eager to hit the ground running.”
- “What are the next steps in the onboarding process?”
- “I’m ready to make a positive impact from day one.”
When the Employer Counters Your Offer
Example Phrases:
- “Thank you for considering my request.”
- “I appreciate your offer. Can we meet in the middle at [amount]?”
- “That’s close to what I had in mind. Can we bump it up a bit to [amount]?”
- “I’m flexible on the salary if we can add [benefit].”
- “Could we revisit this in 6 months if I meet [specific goal]?”
- “I’m excited about the role. Let’s find a number that works for both of us.”
- “Can we explore other ways to bridge the gap?”
- “I’m open to creative solutions. What else can we consider?”
- “That’s a step in the right direction. How about [slightly higher amount]?”
- “I’m confident we can find a mutually beneficial solution.”
If the Employer Declines Your Counter Offer
Sometimes, the employer might say no to your counter offer. Don’t worry! You still have options. Ask if there’s room for other perks or benefits. Think about if you’re willing to accept the original offer. If not, it’s okay to walk away politely.
Example Phrases:
- “I understand. Are there other benefits we could discuss?”
- “Could we revisit the salary in 3-6 months?”
- “Is there flexibility on [specific benefit]?”
- “I appreciate your position. Let me think it over and get back to you.”
- “Thank you for considering my request. I’d like to discuss [alternative option].”
- “I’m still very interested in the role. What else can we explore?”
- “I understand your constraints. Is there room for a signing bonus?”
- “Could we look at performance-based increases?”
- “I appreciate your time. I’ll need to carefully consider the offer.”
- “Thank you for the opportunity. I’ll let you know my decision by [specific date].”