Counter offer email after a verbal offer — without losing it
Short answer
Don't counter the verbal offer in writing. Instead, ask for the written offer first, then counter that. The right move is one short email: thank them, express enthusiasm, ask for the written offer with details, and lock a 3–5 day window to respond. Once the written offer is in hand, send a single counter email with a specific number and two market-data sources. That's the entire play.
You're here because
- You got a verbal offer and you're afraid pushing back will look bad
- You don't have the written offer yet and don't know what's safe to say
- You froze when they asked, "Does that work for you?"
- You don't want to seem greedy, but you also don't want to leave money behind
- You have 24–72 hours to come back with something professional
The exact email to send
Hi [HIRING_MANAGER],
Thank you for the offer to join [COMPANY] as [ROLE]. I'm genuinely excited about the team and the work we discussed around [SPECIFIC_PROJECT].
Before I respond formally, would you be able to send the written offer with the full compensation breakdown (base, bonus, equity, signing, start date)? I want to make sure I review the package carefully and respond properly.
I'd like to request 3 business days from receipt of the written offer to give you a final answer.
Looking forward to it — [COMPANY] is at the top of my list.
Best,
[YOUR_NAME]
- Built for the moment a written offer or deadline lands — not casual browsing.
- Written for the 24–72 hour decision window.
- Designed for people who don't negotiate often.
- Real workplace register — not internet bravado.
What NOT to say
- "Can you do better?" — vague, hard to act on, signals weakness.
- "I have another offer at $X" — never bluff. If you have one, use it precisely (see the kit's competing-offer script).
- "I was hoping for more" — apologetic phrasing weakens the entire ask.
- Any number, on a phone call, on the spot. Always: let me get back to you in writing.
- "I'll think about it" with no timeline. Always commit to a return date.
An illustrative example
A product manager got a verbal offer at $165K base + 0.05% equity. The recruiter asked, "Does that work?" on the call. The PM said: "Thank you — I'd love to review the full written offer before responding. Could you send that today, and I'll come back within 3 business days?" The written offer arrived at $168K base + $15K signing. They then sent the kit's Initial Counter script, citing two market-data sources and a $172K target. Final: $172K + $20K signing + faster equity vest. +$7K base / +$5K signing / better vest, from one email after the verbal.
Why this works
Verbal offers are not yet contracts — they're an opener. Pushing back on a verbal offer feels high-risk because nothing is committed. The fix: convert the verbal to written, then negotiate the written offer. This is what every recruiter expects experienced candidates to do.
What to do next
Send the email above today. When the written offer arrives, send the Initial Counter script from the Counter-Offer Kit. The whole sequence takes ~6 minutes of typing across 2–3 days.
Before you send — quick check
- Do you know your walk-away number?
- Do you have a Levels.fyi or market band to anchor to?
- Do you have a 3-business-day deadline written in?
If you answered "not sure" to any of these, the Counter-Offer Kit walks you through all three.
Related reads
FAQ
Can I negotiate a verbal offer?
Don't negotiate the verbal — convert it to written first. A verbal offer is non-binding for both sides. Asking for the written offer is standard, expected, and gives you concrete numbers to negotiate against.
What if they pressure me to commit on the call?
Politely decline: "I want to review the full package carefully before committing — could you send the written offer and I'll respond within 3 business days?" No experienced recruiter will reject that.
How long can I take to respond?
3–5 business days from receiving the written offer is standard. If you need more, ask once — most recruiters extend without issue.