Counter Offer Email Example: A Real Template You Can Copy and Send
You received a job offer. The salary is lower than you expected. You need to write a counter offer email — but you're not sure what to say or how to say it without sounding greedy.
Below is a proven counter offer email template you can copy, followed by a fully filled-out real example so you can see exactly what the final email looks like.
Counter Offer Email Template
Hi [HIRING_MANAGER_NAME],
Thank you for the offer to join [COMPANY] as [ROLE]. I'm genuinely excited about this opportunity and the chance to contribute to [SPECIFIC_PROJECT_OR_TEAM].
After researching current market compensation for this role in [CITY/REGION] and considering my [X] years of experience in [KEY_SKILL], I'd like to discuss a base salary of $[TARGET_AMOUNT].
This reflects the value I expect to bring through [SPECIFIC_CONTRIBUTION], and aligns with compensation data from Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, and industry peers.
I want to be transparent: this role is my top choice, and I'm confident we can find a number that works for both of us. I'm also open to discussing the overall package — signing bonus, equity, or other components.
Looking forward to your thoughts.
Best,
[YOUR_NAME]
Real Counter Offer Email Example (Filled Out)
Here's the same template filled out for a Marketing Manager offered $95K who wants $110K:
Hi David,
Thank you for the offer to join Shopify as Marketing Manager. I'm genuinely excited about this opportunity and the chance to contribute to the enterprise growth team.
After researching current market compensation for this role in Toronto and considering my 5 years of experience in B2B SaaS marketing, I'd like to discuss a base salary of $110,000.
This reflects the value I expect to bring through building out the account-based marketing program for the enterprise segment, and aligns with compensation data from Glassdoor, Payscale, and industry peers.
I want to be transparent: this role is my top choice, and I'm confident we can find a number that works for both of us. I'm also open to discussing the overall package — signing bonus, equity, or other components.
Looking forward to your thoughts.
Best,
Rachel Kim
Why This Counter Offer Email Works: Line-by-Line
"I'm genuinely excited about this opportunity"
Opens with commitment. The hiring manager's biggest fear is that you'll use a counter-offer to shop elsewhere. This line says: I want to be here.
"After researching current market compensation"
Shifts the framing from "I want more money" to "the market says this is fair." This is the single most important phrase in the email. It takes the personal out of the ask.
"I'd like to discuss a base salary of $110,000"
A specific number, not a range. "I'm looking for $100K-$115K" lets them choose $100K. A single number anchors the conversation where you want it.
"The value I expect to bring through [specific contribution]"
This gives the hiring manager ammunition to take to their boss and HR. They want to pay you more — they just need to justify it. Give them the justification.
"Open to discussing signing bonus, equity, or other components"
If base salary is capped, you've given them other ways to close the gap. Most candidates don't do this, and it costs them.
How to Choose Your Counter Offer Number
Don't guess. Follow this process:
- Check 2-3 salary sources — Levels.fyi (tech), Glassdoor, Payscale, or LinkedIn Salary Insights. Search your exact role + location.
- Find the 75th percentile — Not the average, not the max. The 75th percentile is ambitious but defensible.
- Use that as your ask — The employer will likely counter somewhere between your current offer and your ask. That's the point.
Example: If Glassdoor shows $90K-$120K for your role and the 75th percentile is $110K, ask for $110K. They'll probably come back at $100-105K. You've just gained $5-10K with one email.
Counter Offer Examples for Different Situations
When you have a competing offer
If you have another offer at a higher number, mention it directly. Transparency works better than hints:
"I've received a competing offer at $125,000 for a similar role. That said, [Company] remains my first choice because of [specific reason]. If you can come closer to $125,000, I'm ready to sign immediately."
Important: Only use this if you actually have a competing offer. Never fabricate one — recruiters talk to each other.
For the full breakdown — including a 3-line urgent version and how much more to ask — see counter offer email with a competing offer.
When you're negotiating benefits instead of salary
If base is locked, shift to the total package. Common negotiation targets:
- Signing bonus — "Would a one-time bonus of $X be possible?"
- Extra PTO — "Could I start with 20 days instead of 15?"
- Equity/RSUs — "Is there flexibility on the equity grant?"
- Remote work — "Could we discuss 2-3 remote days per week?"
- Earlier review — "Could we schedule a 6-month salary review?"
3 Counter Offer Mistakes to Avoid
1. Giving a range instead of a number
"I'm looking for $100K to $115K" means you'll get $100K. Always name one number. Make it the high end of what market data supports.
2. Leading with personal reasons
"I have student loans" or "my rent went up" focuses on your needs, not your value. Hiring managers can't justify paying more because your rent is high. Anchor every ask in market data and the value you bring.
3. Waiting too long to respond
Respond within 24 hours of receiving the offer. Every day you wait, your leverage decreases. The hiring manager starts worrying you'll say no. HR starts lining up their second choice. Move quickly.
What Happens After You Send a Counter Offer
Expect one of three outcomes:
- They match your number. Accept in writing immediately. Confirm all terms in the email.
- They increase but don't match. This is the most common outcome. Decide if the new number works for you. If not, negotiate benefits on top of the new base.
- They don't budge. You still have the original offer. Decide based on the role, not just the comp. For what it's worth, polite counter-offers almost never result in a rescinded offer.
Want ready-to-send scripts for every situation?
The Counter-Offer Script Kit includes 5 complete email templates — counter-offer, competing offer, benefits negotiation, deadline extension, and acceptance — plus a salary research cheatsheet.
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