Salary negotiation script example — word-for-word (email + phone)

You don't need a negotiation philosophy. You need the exact words to say when the recruiter emails you the offer, and the exact words when they call to push back. This guide gives you both — email and phone — with real numbers from real negotiations.

The 4-part script structure (use this for every negotiation)

Every effective salary negotiation email — in any industry, at any level — follows the same structure:

1. Thanks + enthusiasm (1 sentence) — sets professional tone
2. The ask with justification (2 sentences) — the specific number + why
3. Flexibility on structure (1 sentence) — signals you're collaborative, not dug in
4. Forward momentum (1 sentence) — "happy to jump on a call" keeps it moving

Memorize this structure. You can compose the email in 3 minutes once you know the shape.

Script example #1 — the email counter (new offer)

Real outcome: Recruiter replied within 24 hours with $132K base + $8K signing bonus. +$20K year one.

Script example #2 — the email ask (raise at current job)

Real outcome: Manager requested 2 weeks to talk to HR. Came back with $125K + a title change ("Senior Marketing Lead"). +$11K and a promotion.

Script example #3 — the phone script (when they call to push back)

Sometimes the recruiter skips email and calls. Expect one of three plays:

• "We can't move on base — what else matters to you?"
• "That's above our range for this role."
• "Let me ask internally and get back to you."

What to say when they push back on base:

"Thanks for being transparent on that. If base is locked, let's talk about the other pieces — could we move the signing bonus to $[X] and look at an equity refresh at the 12-month mark? That would close the gap for me."

What to say if they claim it's above range:

"I understand — and based on the data I've seen on Levels.fyi for this role in [CITY], I was calibrating to what I've seen for the level. If the top of the band is $[Y], could we land there? I really want to make this work."

What to say when they say "let me check":

"Appreciate you looking into it. I'll hold on my other timelines while you check — could you let me know by end of day [DATE]? I'd love to close this out this week."

Notice the pattern: gracious tone + specific number + soft deadline. Never aggressive. Never apologetic.

The 5 words to remove from every negotiation

• "Just" — "I was just hoping…" weakens the ask. Cut it.
• "Sorry" — don't apologize for asking market rate.
• "Need" — "I need $X" signals desperation. Use "I'd like to discuss."
• "Unfortunately" — implies bad news is coming. You're negotiating, not breaking up.
• "Maybe" — kills your ask. Be specific, not tentative.

The one number you should always prepare

Your walk-away number. Not your target. The number below which you'd decline or quit. Knowing it — in writing, ahead of time — is the single biggest source of calm in a negotiation. You stop fearing the conversation because the worst case is already defined.

Related reads

• Counter-offer email — real example
• How much to ask for
• How to ask for a raise (example email)
• Should I negotiate the offer?
• What actually happens when you negotiate