How to negotiate salary with another offer in hand
Short answer
A second offer is the strongest leverage you'll ever have — used calmly. The method: decide which role you actually want, set a target anchored to the competing number, send one short email that states your preference, names the offer, and asks them to close the gap, then give a clear deadline. No ultimatums, no bluffs. If they can't move, you still have a real choice.
The method, step by step
- 1. Decide your preference. Which role would you take if pay were equal? That's the company you negotiate with.
- 2. Set the target. Anchor to the competing base. Matching it is the easiest ask; going higher needs a second reason.
- 3. Write one short email. Preference first, the competing offer in one sentence, a specific ask, a deadline.
- 4. Offer flexibility. If base is capped, signing or equity can close the same gap.
- 5. Send once and wait. Resist re-negotiating against yourself. Let them respond.
The email
Hi [HIRING_MANAGER],
Thank you for the offer to join [COMPANY] as [ROLE] — this is the role I want, for [SPECIFIC_REASON].
I also have a competing offer from [OTHER_COMPANY] at $[OTHER_BASE] base, which puts [COMPANY] about $[GAP] lower. Is there room to bring the base to $[TARGET], or to add a signing bonus that closes the gap?
I'm flexible on how we get there. I'd like to give [OTHER_COMPANY] an answer by [DATE].
Thanks,
[YOUR_NAME]
- Most people land here weighing two real offers, on a deadline.
- The method is built to keep the relationship intact while you ask.
- Designed for people who don't negotiate often.
- Real workplace register — not internet bravado.
How much more to ask
Anchor to the competing offer, not a round percentage. Matching the competing base is the cleanest, most defensible ask. To go above both offers, bring a second anchor — market data (Levels.fyi, Glassdoor bands) or expanded scope — because "the other offer is $X" only justifies up to $X. For a deeper breakdown, see how much more to ask in a salary negotiation.
An illustrative example
Offer A (preferred): $150K. Offer B: $168K. They anchored [TARGET] to $168K and added market data showing the band topped out near $175K. The company matched $165K base + a $6K signing bonus. They closed nearly the full gap and took the team they wanted.
What NOT to say
- "Match it or I'm gone." Ultimatums cost you goodwill and sometimes the offer.
- Asking for far above both offers with no second justification.
- Re-opening the negotiation repeatedly after they respond.
- Mentioning an offer you don't have. Recruiters sometimes verify.
The real risk
With two real offers, your downside is genuinely capped — if this company can't move, you take the other one. The only way to lose is to torch the relationship with an ultimatum or a bluff. Keep it calm, specific, and honest, and the worst case is a polite no with your fallback intact.
Related reads
FAQ
How much more can I ask for with a competing offer?
Anchor to the competing offer. Matching it is the easiest ask to justify. To go above both, you need a second reason — market data or expanded scope — not just the existence of the other offer.
What if both offers are from companies I'd be happy at?
Pick the one you'd take if pay were equal, then ask that company to close the gap to the other. If they can't, you have a genuinely good fallback — which makes negotiating from a calm place much easier.
Can I use a competing offer to negotiate a raise at my current job?
You can, but it's higher-risk: it signals you're ready to leave. Only do it if you would actually accept the outside offer. The same calm framing applies — preference, number, specific ask.