Free Salary Negotiation Counter Offer Letter Template
What is a Salary Negotiation Letter?
After a job offer is received, candidates sometimes follow up with a salary negotiation letter.
A salary negotiation letter is a letter that requests a salary increase before accepting the initial job offer.
Candidates will explain within the letter why they feel they should be receiving a higher salary, usually supported by market research, their skills, and relevant experience.
Let a Recruiter Negotiate Salary For You
In our years as recruiters, one of the things we hear jobseekers worry about the most is salary negotiations. Salary negotiations can be incredibly nerve-wracking and hard to navigate, but working with a recruiter can take the tough conversations out of your hands.
With our personalized guidance and support, we can do the homework to find a salary that fits your industry and experience, and advocate with employers on your behalf.
As professional recruiters, we understand how to take a sensitive, but effective approach to salary negotiations.
Free Salary Negotiation Counter Offer Letter Template
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Employer’s Name]
[Company’s Name]
[Company’s Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Employer’s Name],
Thank you so much for offering me the [Job Title] position with [Company Name]. I’m excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to [specific project or goal related to the company], as I believe my skills in [mention relevant skills or experiences] will drive success in this role.
I appreciate the offer of [initial salary offered] that you presented. After further consideration and research on industry standards for similar roles in [your location or the market], I would like to propose a salary of [your desired salary]. Based on my [mention any relevant experience, certifications, successes, or skills that support your request], I believe this figure more accurately reflects my qualifications and the value I will bring to the team.
I am really looking forward to the possibility of working together and am eager to contribute toward [specific goals or projects]. I hope we can reach an agreement that works for both of us.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to your response.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Salary Negotiation Letter Sample: Manufacturing Industry
Jordan Smith
123 Maple Street
Toronto, ON 62704
jordan.smith@email.com
(647) 123-4567
September 15, 2025
Alex Johnson
XYZ Manufacturing Co.
456 Factory Road
Toronto, ON 62704
Dear Alex,
I hope this message finds you well. I want to sincerely thank you for offering me the position of Production Supervisor at XYZ Manufacturing Co. I am thrilled about the opportunity to join your team and can’t wait to contribute to the innovative projects at your facility.
After reviewing the offer of $65,000, I have taken some time to reflect on the responsibilities of the role along with my experience and current market rates. Given my background in lean manufacturing and successful track record in process optimization over the past eight years, I believe a salary of $70,000 would be more aligned with the value I can bring to the team.
In my previous role at ABC Industries, I led a project that reduced production downtime by 20%, resulting in significant cost savings and increased efficiency. I bring not just my expertise but a proven commitment to fostering strong team dynamics and enhancing operational performance.
I am genuinely excited about the potential to contribute to XYZ Manufacturing’s continued growth and success. I hope we can discuss this further to reach a mutually agreeable salary that reflects my qualifications and the value I will add to your team.
Thank you once again for this opportunity. I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
Jordan Smith
Frequently Asked Questions about Salary Negotiation
Is it okay to negotiate salary before getting a job offer?
Negotiating before the offer might feel okay when the interview is going well, but it can backfire. Some employers are easily turned off by early salary discussions, and may feel you aren’t interested in the role for the right reasons.
Is it okay to negotiate salary after accepting a job offer?
Negotiating after accepting the offer may feel like the safer option, because the offer can’t be rescinded. However, by accepting, you’ve already accepted the original salary offer, and your employer knows that too. Trying to negotiate salary after the fact can catch your new employer off guard and feel poorly-timed, as you’ve technically already accepted the original salary offer.
Is a 20% counter offer too much? What percentage is reasonable?
A 20% counter offer is pretty aggressive, especially if it’s above current market rates for people in a similar role in your industry and location. Generally, we’re used to seeing and making counter offers in the range of 5% to 15%, or $5,000-$10,000 above the original salary offer.
Is it better to negotiate salary formally or informally?
The best approach to salary negotiation depends on the company culture and your relationship with the employer.
In more traditional or formal environments, a structured and professional approach is typically more appropriate, as it demonstrates respect and seriousness about the role. This could involve crafting a well-thought-out email or letter, or scheduling a dedicated meeting to discuss your compensation. This is what’s standard for new hires.
We assume that by “negotiating salary informally” you mean negotiating face-to-face in casual conversation. If the work environment seems more on the informal side, your employer might actually appreciate having a more back and forth dialogue about your salary, rather than reading a formal offer letter. This is more suitable for long-time employees.
If you’re truly unsure of what approach is best, we recommend going the formal route by default.
How to Negotiate Salary Without Losing the Job Offer
It goes without saying that renegotiating salary is a slippery slope. While you may feel deserving of a higher salary offer, making a good impression on your new employer is important.
Additionally, it’s important to have the right attitude when approaching these discussions in order to keep your job offer intact. Here’s how to negotiate your salary without losing your job offer:
Wait to Negotiate Until After You’ve Received the Job Offer
One of the most important aspects of salary negotiation is timing. Be patient.
Trying to negotiate salary before you’ve properly been considered is a quick way to make a bad impression and have your potential employer question your suitability for the role.
The best way to ensure you negotiate at the right time is to wait until you’ve received the job offer. At this point, you know the employer wants you, which gives you more leverage in negotiations.
We don’t recommend doing it earlier (before the offer) or later (after you’ve accepted the job offer). The perfect timing for salary negotiations is after you’ve received an offer but haven’t accepted it yet.
Do Market Research Before Negotiating
Before you even think about negotiations, research what others in your field and area are earning. What salary increase you request should align with what others in your field with a similar amount of experience are earning. Additionally, being able to cite specific market rates will prove that an increase is warranted, making it significantly more likely for your employer to increase the salary offer.
Websites like Glassdoor or PayScale can give you a good sense of the market rate. This info helps you feel confident that you’re asking for what you deserve.
Consider the Whole Package
Another important thing to consider is other perks outside of what you’re making. Consider things like benefits, bonuses, vacation time.etc
Sometimes, if the salary isn’t flexible, your employer might be open to improving other aspects of the offer that could really benefit you.
Some other perks you can negotiate outside of salary are:
The ability to work remotely/hybrid rather than entirely in-person.
The amount of paid vacation you have.
The ability to be gifted company shares in lieu of a salary increase.
Whether you could receive a sign-on bonus (a one-time lump sum payment after accepting the job offer).
Express Gratitude
When you bring up salary, express gratitude for the offer and excitement for the role. Say something like, “I’m really excited about this opportunity and working with your team! I’d love to discuss the salary a bit if we can.”
Use “I” Statements
Frame the conversation around your value rather than simple demands. For example, instead of saying, “I want more money,” try, “Based on my experience and the market data I found, I feel a salary of [insert number] would be more in line with my qualifications.” It’s all about highlighting the value you bring!
Make your employer feel like they’re gaining something instead of losing something.
Be Open and Flexible
Sometimes, the company might not be able to meet your request right away, and that's okay. Be open to compromise. Maybe they can offer a salary review after a certain period, provide extra vacation days, or consider a signing bonus.
