CounterOffer Email Templates That Close the Deal
Negotiating an offer by email lets you control tone, present clear facts, and create a written record. Below are practical templates you can adapt for common counteroffer scenarios, plus tips for wording, structure, and follow-up to maximize your chance of success.
Before you write
- Know your ask: target salary range, must-have benefits, and flexible items.
- Be concise: hiring managers are busy — keep emails short (4–6 paragraphs).
- Lead with appreciation: gratitude sets a positive tone.
- Be specific and justified: cite market data, accomplishments, or competing offers.
- Offer flexibility: suggest alternatives (signing bonus, start date, title) to find common ground.
- Give a deadline: a reasonable window (48–72 hours) encourages timely decisions.
Template 1 — Salary counter (straightforward, single ask)
Subject: Offer Discussion — [Your Name]
Hi [Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you — I’m excited by the opportunity and appreciate the offer for [Position]. Based on my market research and [X years] of experience in [skill/industry], I’m seeking a base salary of \([desired]</strong>. If adjusting the base isn’t possible, I’m open to discussing a signing bonus or a structured review at 6 months.</p> <p>I’m enthusiastic about joining the team and confident we can find a number that reflects the role and my experience. Do you have time to discuss or can you share the team’s flexibility?</p> <p>Thanks again for the offer—looking forward to your thoughts.</p> <p>Best,<br> [Your Name]<br> [Phone] | [LinkedIn]</p> <hr> <h3>Template 2 — Counter with competing offer (polite, leverage used)</h3> <p>Subject: Follow-up on Offer — [Your Name]</p> <p>Hi [Hiring Manager Name],</p> <p>Thank you for the offer for [Position]; I appreciate the team’s interest. I want to be transparent: I’ve received another offer with a base salary of <strong>\)[competing] and comparable benefits. I prefer [Company] because of [reason: mission/team/product], and I’d like to see if we can align on compensation.
Would you consider \([target]</strong> base or adding a <strong>\)[signing bonus] to bridge the gap? If helpful, I can share details of the competing offer under confidentiality.
I’m excited about the possibility of joining—please let me know what’s possible.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Template 3 — Total-comp counter (salary + equity + title)
Subject: Offer Discussion — Total Compensation
Hi [Hiring Manager Name],
Thanks for the offer and for outlining the full package. I’m very interested in the role. To make this opportunity work, I’d like to propose the following adjustments to the total compensation:
- Base salary: \([desired]</strong> (from \)[current offer])
- Equity: [# shares or %] or equivalent increase in grant
- Title adjustment: [Proposed title] (to reflect responsibilities)
If some items aren’t feasible, I’m open to alternatives like a performance review at 6 months with a salary bump or a larger signing bonus.
Happy to discuss live if that’s easier—thank you for considering.
Regards,
[Your Name]
Template 4 — Non-salary counter (benefits, hybrid work, PTO)
Subject: Quick Clarification on Offer Terms — [Your Name]
Hi [Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you for the generous offer. I’m excited about the role and the team. One area I’d like to revisit is the benefits/terms: specifically [e.g., remote/hybrid schedule, additional PTO, flexible hours, professional development stipend].
Would the company consider [specific ask, e.g., 3 days remote per week / 20 days PTO / \(2,000 annual training budget]</strong>? These adjustments would really help me transition smoothly and perform at my best.</p> <p>I appreciate your consideration and look forward to finding a fit.</p> <p>Thanks,<br> [Your Name]</p> <hr> <h3>Template 5 — Final, firm counter (last attempt before decision)</h3> <p>Subject: Final Request Regarding Offer — [Your Name]</p> <p>Hi [Hiring Manager Name],</p> <p>Thanks again for the offer and the conversations so far. After evaluating everything, my final request is a base salary of <strong>\)[final] (or a $[bonus] signing bonus if base isn’t adjustable). If we can agree to this, I’m ready to accept and begin onboarding on [start date].
I value the team and hope we can finalize details. Please let me know by [reasonable deadline] if this is possible.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Quick wording tips
- Open with gratitude.
- Use concrete numbers (not ranges) when possible.
- Avoid ultimatums; be firm but collaborative.
- Use “we” language to show partnership: “I’d like to find a way for us to make this work.”
- Keep tone professional and positive.
Follow-up timeline
- Send counter within 24–48 hours of receiving the offer.
- If you don’t hear back in 48–72 hours, send a polite follow-up: one short paragraph referencing your previous email and a deadline.
- If still no reply, call the recruiter or hiring manager.
Example follow-up (72-hour)
Subject: Quick follow-up — Offer for [Position]
Hi [Name],
Just following up on my note about the offer. I’d appreciate any update—happy to jump on a quick call.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Use these templates as-is or tweak language to match your voice and the role. If you want, paste your offer details and I’ll adapt one template for your situation.
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