Many candidates feel awkward about asking for a higher salary. Many say they may come off as greedy or risk losing the job offer, but also because they do not know their true market value, so this leaves them at a disadvantage.
To ensure you do not leave money on the table when negotiating, here is a list of email templates you can use to effectively negotiate a higher salary.
When You’re Asking for a Higher Salary:
Dear Mr. Recruiter,
Thank you for offering me the Assistant Sales Director position. I would like to express again how excited I am to begin working for your company. Before I can accept however, I would like to discuss the matter of compensation.
As we discussed in the interviews, I have two more years of experience and formal training than you required in the job description. I have also demonstrated my capabilities in my last position at my previous company by increasing sales in my division by 25% and personally landed several multi-million dollar sales.
With my expertise, an acceptable salary would fall in the range of $103,000-$112,000, a bit higher than your offer of $94,000. I can certainly see a future for myself at the company, and I’m confident that I can bring a lot of value. I know that we can come to a mutual agreement on an acceptable salary.
Thank you for your time,
Potential Hire
Source: Lewis C. Lin
Dear (Name),
I’m very excited about the prospect of joining your team at [Company Name] as [a/an/the] [Position Title].
With my [2–3 qualifications/skills or summary of major past achievements], I am confident that I will achieve great results for [Company Name]. However, I would like to discuss base salary before I sign the offer. According to my research, the average salary for comparable positions in the [work location] area is in the [average salary] range.
I would like to propose moving the offer closer to [proposed salary] in line with my skills and the demands of this position.
Thank you again for your offer. I look forward to speaking with you again soon.
Regards,
(Name)
Source Michael Page
Dear (Mr/Ms _____),
Much of my career has been in (industry), and the skills I’ve learned from this line of work directly apply to the skills in (target job). I know I can contribute well to your team, and I welcome the chance to prove it to you.
As requested, my expected salary is ($_______) excluding benefits and incentives. That’s based on the job description and the average annual salary for this position. My requirements are negotiable, depending on several factors, such as improved career advancement and training opportunities.
Source: tuts+
When You’re Responding to Lowball Offers
Dear (Mr/Ms _____),
Thank you for giving me the chance to work as your new (position). I welcome this challenge and look forward to working with you. However, I have some concerns regarding the compensation package you sent me.
After several rounds of interviews, I’ve come to realize that the actual job is a bit far from the initial job description I read when applying. While I have the skills and experience to do well in this role, given the amount of work expected of me, I feel that the initial offer is a bit too small. The position I’ll have is challenging because (reasons 1 and 2), so it will require someone committed and experienced in this field. Because of this, I believe the current offer will better suit the job’s demands if it’s increased by (amount to be added).
I hope we can come to an agreement about this matter. Can we discuss it on our next meeting? Feel free to email or contact me so we can discuss this at a convenient time.
Thank you for your consideration.
Source: tuts+
Dear XXX,
I’m really excited about this opportunity, and I understand that the salary offer is final. Is there anything more you can do in lieu of increasing salary?
Thank you for considering this option.
Kind regards,
XXX
P.S. I have already thought of a few ideas to get started on Project X. Have you seen this latest software that could increase the efficiency of AB?
Source: Cheeky Scientist
Hi (Name),
I hope you had a great weekend! I’ve been considering (Recruiting Manager’s) offer over the weekend and everything sounds good, although I would like to discuss the base salary component.
I think I’m a particularly good match for this position, where I would add significant value to (Company) from day one. I have a strong (skill) background and have built and managed teams of (industry) people. I am exceptionally good with clients, and have taught short courses on building rapport with and managing clients. I have a (degree or specialization) and have successfully managed many portfolios of business in the (industry name) over the past (X years). I’ve been working with (Employer) for over (X years), and have experience with many of their partnership managers and leadership team.
All of these qualities contribute directly to the core components of this particular position, and that’s why I’m excited for the opportunity to work with (Name of potential boss). (Name of potential boss) offered ($_____) and I would be more comfortable if we could settle on ($_______). I feel that amount reflects the importance and expectations of the position for (Company Name), and my qualifications and experience as they relate to this particular position.
Thanks for your time, and I look forward to talking with you on (Date and time of next interview or call).
All the best,
(Name)
Source: tuts+
Hi [Name of Hiring Manager],
Before I accept your offer, I want to be on the same page about compensation. As I mentioned, $60,000 is my salary floor, and my research shows that $80,000 is the current market rate for this role. What is the best way for us to bridge the gap in pay?
I look forward to hearing how we can work together on finalizing the offer so that it meets both of our needs.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Source: Stacey Lastoe
Dear XXX,
After discussing your offer at home, I’m very excited about this opportunity. I know I would be a great fit for the position since I would bring XYZ skill and XYZ skill to the company. I would like to discuss the difference between me and the highest paid person you have picked this year, and see if I am not close enough to that person’s skill set to warrant having the kind of salary offer that they received.
Thank you,
Source: Cheeky Scientist
Dear Mr. Recruiter,
Thank you for offering me the Software Developer position. I’m very excited to start contributing to Company Z. Before I can accept however, I would like to discuss the company policy of pay brackets.
I understand that I have more experience and qualifications than other developers in my team which is why I was placed at the top of pay bracket 4. However, it is more difficult to switch pay brackets than moving up in the same pay bracket. Therefore I would like to request being placed at the bottom of pay bracket 5.
Although the salary is a little lower than my current offer, I plan to stay for a long time, so I would like a better chance of getting raises. I’m confident that I can bring a lot of value to the company; I hope that we can come to a mutual agreement.
Thank you,
Potential Hire
Source: Lewis C. Lin
When You’re Considering Multiple Offers
Hi [Name of Hiring Manager],
Thank you for offering me the (position).
I’m excited to work with your team. I would like to discuss the base salary before I accept your offer. While your company is my first choice, I’ve received another offer with a higher base salary of (higher $______). Still, I’m more interested to work with your team and would readily accept your offer if you could match this base salary.
I appreciate that this amount may be over your initial budget, but I’m flexible and willing to negotiate with you to come up with a solution that benefits both of us. I’m confident that I will contribute greatly to your team, and hope that we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement.
Sincerely,
(Name)
Source: tuts+