Counter Offer Letter Examples You Can Use Today
You've decided to negotiate your salary. Smart move. Now you need the right words. Below are real-world counter offer letter examples for the most common negotiation scenarios — each one ready to customize and send.
Example 1: Standard Salary Counter Offer Email
When to use: You received a job offer and the base salary is below market rate. This is the most common scenario.
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for extending the offer for the Senior Marketing Manager position. I'm excited about the opportunity to lead the content strategy at Acme Corp, and I can see myself making a real impact on the team.
After reviewing the compensation package and researching market rates for this role in the Chicago area, I'd like to propose a base salary of $125,000.
Based on Glassdoor and Payscale data, the median salary for this role in our market is $118K-$130K. Given my 8 years of experience leading content teams and my track record of increasing organic traffic by 200%+ at my current company, I believe $125K reflects the value I'll bring to Acme.
I'm enthusiastic about this role and confident we can reach a number that works for both of us. Happy to discuss this further at your convenience.
Best regards,
Alex
Why it works: Opens with enthusiasm, states a specific number, backs it with data, highlights relevant accomplishments, and closes collaboratively.
Example 2: Counter Offer When They're Close But Not Quite
When to use: The offer is only $5K-$10K below your target. You need a lighter negotiation approach.
Hi David,
Thanks again for the Product Designer offer — I'm really looking forward to joining the team. The role and the projects you outlined in our last conversation are exactly what I'm looking for.
I had one question about the compensation package. Based on my research and current market rates, I was targeting a base of $115,000. Is there flexibility to bridge that gap?
I'm also open to discussing other ways to get there — a signing bonus, additional PTO, or equity. Whatever works best for the team.
Looking forward to getting started.
Best,
Jordan
Why it works: Light touch for a small gap. Shows flexibility on package structure, which is often easier for employers to accommodate than a base salary increase.
Example 3: Counter Offer with a Competing Offer
When to use: You have another offer at a higher salary. Use this leverage carefully and honestly.
Hi Priya,
Thank you for the generous offer for the Senior Software Engineer role. I want to be transparent — your team is my first choice, and the technical challenges you described are what I'm most excited about.
I do want to mention that I've received a competing offer at $155,000 base. I'm not using this as a negotiation tactic — I genuinely prefer your team and the work you're doing. But I want to make sure the compensation is in the same range so I can make this decision without second-guessing it.
Is there room to move the base closer to $150,000? I'm flexible on the total package structure — equity, signing bonus, and benefits all factor into my decision.
I'd love to make this work. Let me know what's possible.
Regards,
Michael
Why it works: Honest about the competing offer without making threats. Emphasizes genuine preference for this company. Gives a specific target that's slightly below the competing offer (more credible).
Example 4: Counter Offer Focused on Total Compensation
When to use: When you suspect the base salary is firm, but other parts of the package may be negotiable.
Hi Rachel,
I'm thrilled about the Director of Operations offer and excited to join during such a pivotal growth phase for the company.
I understand the base salary of $140,000 may be at the top of the approved range for this role. With that in mind, I'd like to discuss a few other components of the package:
• A signing bonus of $10,000 to bridge the gap with my target compensation
• An additional week of PTO (bringing the total to 4 weeks)
• A 6-month performance review with the potential for an early salary adjustment
I'm genuinely flexible on how we structure this — I just want to make sure the total package reflects the scope of the role. Happy to discuss on a call.
Best,
Tanya
Why it works: Shows awareness that base might be firm. Offers multiple alternatives that are often easier for employers to approve. The early review is a creative option many candidates overlook.
Example 5: Verbal Counter Offer Script (For Phone Calls)
When to use: The recruiter calls you to present the offer and expects a response on the phone. Don't get caught off guard.
I want to give this the thought it deserves. Can I take 24-48 hours to review the full package and get back to you?
[If pressed for a reaction:]
I'll be honest — the base salary is a bit below what I was expecting based on my research and experience level. I'd love to discuss whether there's room to get closer to $[TARGET]. But let me review everything first, and I'll follow up with a more thoughtful response by [DAY]."
Why it works: Buys you time without being evasive. If pressed, plants the seed that you'll be negotiating without committing to a specific ask.
Key Principles Across All Examples
- Be specific — Every example includes a dollar amount. Vague requests get vague responses.
- Lead with enthusiasm — Remind them you want the job. This is a collaboration, not a confrontation.
- Back it up — Data, experience, or competing offers. Your number needs a reason.
- Stay flexible — Offer alternatives. The best negotiators find creative solutions.
- Keep it short — Every example above is under 150 words. Brevity signals confidence.
Need More Templates?
5 Ready-to-Send Counter Offer Scripts
Fill-in-the-blank templates for every scenario: standard counter, competing offer, benefits negotiation, and more. Download and send in 3 minutes.
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