The exact counter-offer email to send today
Short answer
Send one short email: thank them, name the role, anchor on two market sources, ask for a specific target number, and signal flex on signing or start date. Keep it under 200 words. No ultimatums, no apologies, no "can you do better." Reply within 24 hours so the recruiter doesn't have to re-pitch you internally. The template below is the wording, in order.
You're here because
- You have a written offer and a 24–72 hour decision window
- You're afraid the wrong wording will make them rescind
- You don't want to sound greedy or apologetic
- You've Googled "counter offer email" and gotten 50 vague templates
- You want one clean email you can copy, edit, and send today
The exact email to send
Hi [HIRING_MANAGER],
Thank you again for the offer to join [COMPANY] as [ROLE]. I'm excited about the team and the work around [SPECIFIC_PROJECT].
Looking at market data from Levels.fyi and Glassdoor for [ROLE] in [LOCATION] with my [X] years in [SKILL], the typical range lands at $[LOW]–$[HIGH]. I'd like to discuss bringing the base to $[TARGET].
I'm also open to flex on signing bonus, equity refresh, or start date if base is fixed. Happy to discuss any structure that works on your side.
Thanks again — [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, gives the recruiter nothing to defend internally.
- "I was hoping for more" — apologetic phrasing weakens the entire ask.
- "I'll need to decline if…" — ultimatums on a first counter are unnecessary and risky.
- Long emotional preamble. Keep it under 200 words.
- Citing a source you can't actually link if asked.
An illustrative example
Got a written offer at $128K base + $10K signing. Used the template above with Levels.fyi data showing $132–$148K for the level. Asked for $140K. Recruiter came back the next morning at $138K base + $15K signing — a +$10K base and +$5K signing on one email.
Why this works
Recruiters need to defend a comp bump in writing to their hiring manager and finance. A short email with two named market sources, a specific target, and structural flex hands them everything they need to push the offer up without escalating.
What to do next
Send the email today. If they come back with a partial bump, the Counter-Offer Kit includes the follow-up script (accept-with-gratitude or push-once-more) for the next round.
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
How long should the email be?
Under 200 words. Recruiters skim — anything longer dilutes the ask. The template above is ~150 words.
What if they don't reply within 24 hours?
Wait 48 business hours, then send a one-line follow-up confirming the deadline and that you're available to discuss. Don't escalate the ask.
Can I use this if my offer is verbal, not written?
Get the written offer first. The kit has a separate template for converting a verbal to written before negotiating.