Email salary negotiations require more precision than phone calls — you have time to craft the message, which means you have no excuse for getting it wrong. Done well, a counter offer email is professional, specific, and leaves the door open regardless of how the company responds.
Written counter offers create a paper trail that protects both parties. They give you time to think, give the employer time to consult internally, and remove the awkwardness of real-time negotiation. They work — use them.
Template 1: Standard counter offer (salary above market)
Subject: Re: Offer — [Your Name] Hi [Name], Thank you for sending the offer — I'm genuinely excited about the role and the team at [Company]. After reviewing the details and researching current market rates for [Role Title] in [City], I was hoping we could discuss adjusting the base salary to [X]. Based on my [X years] of experience in [specific area] and the scope of the role, I believe this reflects the value I'd bring. I'm keen to make this work and very much want to join the team. Happy to jump on a call if it would be easier to discuss. Best, [Your name]
Template 2: Counter when you have a competing offer
Subject: Re: Offer Discussion — [Your Name] Hi [Name], Thank you for the offer — [Company] is genuinely my first choice and I'm excited about the direction of the role. I want to be transparent: I currently have another offer at [£X / $X] base. I'd much rather join [Company], but I need to close the gap to make that decision. Is there any room to move the base salary to [X]? Even a partial move would help me make the decision straightforwardly. I'd like to resolve this quickly — happy to speak today if that's easier. Best, [Your name]
Template 3: Counter for a non-salary benefit (signing bonus)
Subject: Re: Offer — One Question Hi [Name], Thank you for the offer — I'm very positive about joining and the base salary is close to where I need it to be. I have one question: would [Company] consider a one-time signing bonus? I have a small financial commitment from leaving my current role that a signing bonus would help resolve. I'm not looking for a large amount — something in the [£X – £X] range would make my decision very easy. Completely understand if this isn't something you can do. Just wanted to ask directly. Best, [Your name]
Template 4: Accepting but locking in a near-term review
Subject: Re: Offer — Accepted, With One Request Hi [Name], I'm delighted to accept the offer — thank you to the whole team for the process, which was excellent. One small request: given that the base salary is slightly below where I was targeting, would [Company] be open to scheduling a formal salary review at the 6-month mark rather than the standard 12 months? I'm confident I can demonstrate my value quickly and would like the opportunity to revisit the number once I've had a chance to contribute. Looking forward to starting. Best, [Your name]
Principles behind every effective counter offer email
- Lead with genuine enthusiasm: You're not threatening to walk — you're trying to make a good offer work
- Be specific: 'A higher salary' is weak. 'Base salary of £58,000' is a negotiation.
- Give a reason: Market data, competing offer, current salary — give them something to take to their manager
- Keep it short: Under 200 words. Long emails signal anxiety.
- Stay warm: The tone should be collaborative, not adversarial
- Offer alternatives: If they can't move on salary, suggest bonus, equity, or early review
The strength of your counter offer depends partly on how compelling your candidacy was throughout the process. A candidate who arrived with a sharp, tailored resume and performed well at interview has more leverage. HireSprint helps you build that foundation before the offer stage.
