Most people who do not negotiate say the same thing afterward: they did not know what to write. The room felt awkward. The offer email sat there for two days and they accepted to make the discomfort go away.
Email solves most of that. You can edit before you hit send, you create a paper trail, and you give the recruiter time to consult with their team rather than answering on the spot. Below are five scripts to copy, adapt, and send.
1. Countering an initial offer
Use this when you have a job offer and want to push the base higher.
Subject: [Company Name] offer follow-up
Hi [Recruiter],
Thank you for the offer to join [Company] as a [Position]. I am genuinely excited about contributing to [specific team or project you discussed].
After looking at market rates for the role and weighing my [years of experience / specific skills / competing offers], I was hoping we could discuss the base salary. Would [target salary] be possible?
I am confident I can deliver real value to the team and want to start the relationship on a foundation that works for both of us. Happy to discuss further whenever it is convenient.
Best,
[Your Name]
Why it works: you open with gratitude, give a reason for the ask, and propose a specific number rather than a range. A range is heard as the low end.
2. Asking for a signing bonus
When base is firm, signing bonuses are often easier to approve because they are one-time, not a permanent budget line.
Subject: Re: [Company Name] offer
Hi [Recruiter],
Thank you for the update on the salary. I understand the constraints and appreciate the transparency.
Given that I will be [leaving unvested equity / forgoing a bonus / relocating], would [Company] be open to a signing bonus to help bridge the gap? A one-time bonus of [$X] would make this transition work cleanly.
I am committed to joining the team and hope we can find something that works for both sides.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
3. Leveraging a competing offer
Only use this if the other offer is real. Recruiters talk, and a fabricated offer can cost you both opportunities.
Subject: [Company Name] offer timeline
Hi [Recruiter],
Thank you again for the offer. I want to be transparent: [Company] is my top choice and I am excited about the role.
I have also received an offer from [Other Company] at a higher base of [$X]. Compensation is not the only factor, but I want to make a thoughtful decision.
Is there flexibility on base or total compensation? If [Company] could match or come closer to [$X], it would make my decision much easier. I am hoping to decide by [date].
Best,
[Your Name]
4. When the offer is "final"
If salary is locked, pivot to the parts of the package that are not.
Subject: Re: [Company Name] offer
Hi [Recruiter],
I appreciate you being upfront about the salary constraints. I am still very interested in the role.
Are there other parts of the offer that might have flexibility? I would be open to discussing additional PTO, a professional development budget, an earlier performance review, or remote work options.
Any of those would make accepting feel right. Let me know what is possible.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
5. Asking for a raise at your current job
Different from a new offer. The case is built on results, not market alone.
Subject: Compensation discussion
Hi [Manager],
I would like to set up time to discuss my compensation. Over the past [period], I have [led project X, exceeded targets by Y, took on Z responsibility].
Based on my contributions and market data for similar roles, an adjustment to [$X] feels appropriate. I am committed to continuing to deliver for the team.
Would you have 30 minutes this week or next? Happy to send a written summary of my contributions ahead of time if useful.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Mistakes that cost you money
- Giving a range. "I am looking for $80 to $90K" lands at $80K. Pick a number.
- Apologizing for the ask. "I hate to do this, but..." undermines the case before you make it.
- Making it about your expenses. Rent and student loans are not negotiation leverage. Value to the team is.
- Accepting on the spot. Even if you are happy, ask for a day. It is normal and expected.
The short version
Negotiating is not aggressive. It is expected. The worst-case outcome of asking is that they say no. The worst case of not asking is that you leave money on the table for the rest of your career.
Helpful resources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Outlook Handbook
- LinkedIn Learning - Professional development courses
- Handshake - Early career job platform