Can I copy these career email examples and send them?

Yes. Each example is a real, send-ready structure. Replace the bracketed placeholders with your own details, adjust the tone to sound like you, and send. The examples are illustrations — the names and numbers are made up, so always swap in your own.

How long should a counter offer or raise email be?

Short. Most of these examples are five to eight sentences. A negotiation email should open with appreciation, state one specific ask backed by a reason, and end with an invitation to talk. Long emails dilute the ask and invite a no.

Should I negotiate over email or on a call?

Email first for the ask itself. It gives both sides time to think, creates a written record, and removes the pressure of an on-the-spot answer. Be ready for a phone follow-up, but put the number in writing.

Free Career Email Examples

Updated June 2026 · 10 worked examples · No signup

Ten career emails you can copy, adapt, and send today — for the moments that actually move your pay and title. Every example is a real structure with a short note on why it works, so you can change the words and keep the logic. Names and numbers are illustrative; swap in your own.

1. Counter offer after a job offer

You got the offer. The number is lower than you hoped. You want more without sounding ungrateful or risking the offer.

Example — fill in the brackets

Subject: Re: Offer for [ROLE]

Hi [NAME],

Thank you for the offer — I'm excited about the role and the team. Based on market data for this role in [CITY] and my [X] years in [SKILL], I'd like to discuss a base of $[TARGET].

This is my top choice and I'm confident we can find a number that works. I'm also open to other components — signing bonus, equity, or an early review.

Looking forward to your thoughts.

Best,
[YOU]

Why it works: It opens with commitment (their real fear is you're shopping the offer), names one specific number instead of a range, and anchors the ask in market data rather than personal need. The last line hands them a Plan B if base is locked.

→ Full sequence — the ask, the pushback reply, the acceptance: Counter-Offer Script Kit ($7). Or read the longer counter offer email example.

2. Counter with a competing offer

You have a second offer at a higher number and you'd rather stay with your first choice — if they close the gap.

Example

Subject: Re: Offer for [ROLE]

Hi [NAME],

I want to be transparent: I've received another offer at $[AMOUNT] for a similar role. [COMPANY] is still my first choice because of [SPECIFIC REASON].

If you can get close to $[AMOUNT], I'm ready to sign right away. Happy to share details if useful.

Best,
[YOU]

Why it works: It states the leverage as a fact, not a threat, and re-commits to this employer so it doesn't read like a bluff. Only ever use a competing offer you actually have — recruiters compare notes.

→ See the leverage-without-the-threat playbook: counter offer with a competing offer or the competing-offer guide.

3. Asking for a raise

You've been delivering above your level and your pay hasn't kept up. You want to make the case in writing before the conversation.

Example

Subject: Time to discuss my compensation

Hi [MANAGER],

Over the past [PERIOD] I've [2–3 RESULTS WITH NUMBERS]. I'd like to set up time to talk about adjusting my salary to reflect that scope.

Based on market data for this role and what I'm now owning, I'm targeting $[TARGET]. Could we find 20 minutes this week or next?

Thanks,
[YOU]

Why it works: It leads with delivered results (numbers, not effort), then asks for a meeting rather than forcing a yes/no over email. The specific target gives your manager something concrete to take to their own boss.

→ The full raise sequence, including how to handle "not in the budget": Raise Request Kit ($7).

4. Requesting a promotion

You're already doing the next level's work and want the title and pay to match.

Example

Subject: Promotion discussion — [TARGET TITLE]

Hi [MANAGER],

For the last [PERIOD] I've been operating at the [TARGET TITLE] level: [2–3 EXAMPLES OF SCOPE]. I'd like to formally discuss moving into that role.

What would you need to see from me to make that case, and what's the timeline for promotion decisions? I'd like to put together whatever helps.

Thanks,
[YOU]

Why it works: It frames the promotion as recognition of work already happening, then asks the manager to co-own the path. "What would you need to see?" turns a possible no into a checklist.

→ Build the written case the right way: Promotion Request Kit ($7).

5. Resignation (two weeks' notice)

You're leaving and want to exit cleanly without burning a reference.

Example

Subject: Resignation — [YOUR NAME]

Hi [MANAGER],

I'm writing to let you know I'm resigning from my role as [ROLE]. My last day will be [DATE — two weeks out].

Thank you for the opportunity to [ONE GENUINE THING]. I'm committed to a smooth handover and will document my open work before I go.

Best,
[YOU]

Why it works: It's short, dated, and unemotional. It states the last day clearly (no ambiguity for HR), keeps the tone warm, and offers a handover — the thing that protects your reference. No reasons, no grievances.

→ Versions for short notice, toxic exits, and keeping the door open: Resignation Kit ($7).

6. Performance review self-assessment

Review season. You need to write up your own accomplishments without underselling or bragging.

Example — one accomplishment, STAR-style

Situation: [The problem / context]
Task: [What I owned]
Action: [What I did]
Result: [The outcome, with a number] — e.g. "cut onboarding time from 9 days to 4, saving ~[X] hours per hire."

Why it works: Reviewers skim. STAR forces every claim to end in a measurable result, which is the language promotions and raises are decided in. Write 3–5 of these instead of a paragraph of adjectives.

→ Ready-made accomplishment phrasing and self-assessment lines: Performance Review Kit ($7).

7. Answering "what's your expected salary?"

A recruiter asks for your number early, before you have leverage or full information.

Example — deflect, then anchor

"I'm flexible and want to make sure the role is the right fit first. Do you have a budgeted range for this position? Once I understand the full scope and package, I can give you a precise number."

Why it works: Whoever names a number first usually loses ground. This stays collaborative, turns the question back, and buys you the information you need before committing. If they push, give a researched range with your target at the bottom.

→ Pre-interview scripts for the salary question: "what are your expectations?" script.

8. When base salary is "capped"

They say the base can't move. That's often a real constraint — and an opening to negotiate everything around it.

Example

"Understood that base is fixed at this level. Given that, could we look at a signing bonus of $[X], an additional [N] days of PTO, or a six-month review with a defined raise target? Any of those would close the gap for me."

Why it works: It accepts the constraint instead of fighting it, then offers three concrete alternatives so the answer becomes "which one" rather than "yes or no." Most people stop at base and leave this money on the table.

→ The full pivot script: "recruiter said base is capped".

9. Following up after no reply

You sent a raise or counter email and heard nothing. You want to nudge without nagging.

Example

Subject: Following up — compensation discussion

Hi [NAME],

Just floating my note from [DAY] back to the top of your inbox. I know things are busy. Is there a good time this week to talk it through? Happy to work around your schedule.

Thanks,
[YOU]

Why it works: Silence is usually a busy inbox, not a no. One short, friendly nudge that proposes a next step keeps momentum without applying pressure. Wait 3–5 business days before sending it.

→ Exactly how to follow up after a raise email gets ghosted: the follow-up that works.

10. Accepting after you negotiated

They came up to your number (or close). You want to accept and lock every term in writing.

Example

Subject: Accepting the offer — [ROLE]

Hi [NAME],

Thank you — I'm delighted to accept. To confirm the terms: base of $[AMOUNT], [BONUS / EQUITY], start date [DATE]. Please send the written offer when ready and I'll sign promptly.

Excited to get started.

Best,
[YOU]

Why it works: Enthusiasm plus a precise recap. Restating every negotiated term in your acceptance prevents "misremembered" numbers later and gets the written offer moving the same day.

→ The acceptance and confirmation templates are included in the Counter-Offer Kit ($7).

Want the full sequence, not just one email?

Each $7 kit bundles every email for the moment — the ask, the follow-up, the response to pushback, and the acceptance — already ordered and worded, plus the judgment for which move to make.

Compare all 5 kits — $7 each

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