Salary Negotiation Email Templates That Actually Work
Last updated: 2026-03-10
You got the job offer. The salary is 15% below what you expected. Here are templates for every negotiation scenario.
When to Negotiate
| Scenario | Should You? | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| New job offer | Almost always yes | 5-15% increase |
| Annual review | Yes, with data | 3-10% increase |
| After major achievement | Yes | 5-20% increase |
| Promotion without raise | Absolutely | 10-20% increase |
The Counter Offer Email Structure
- Express enthusiasm. Start positive.
- State your number. Be specific, not a range.
- Justify with data. Market rate, your experience, value you bring.
- Keep it short. 4-6 sentences.
Key Rules
- Never give a number first.
- Never accept immediately. Ask for 24-48 hours.
- Negotiate total compensation. Base, bonus, equity, PTO, remote, signing bonus.
- Get it in writing.
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According to HBR, candidates who negotiate earn $5,000 more in their first year.
As Glassdoor shows, 73% of employers expect negotiation, yet only 39% of workers do.