Most companies expect a counter and leave room for one. Candidates who negotiate professionally rarely lose the offer — the far more common outcome is a better package or a clear, friendly "this is our best". The risk of asking is much smaller than most people fear; the cost of not asking compounds over every future raise.
This is a templates page. Pair it with our salary negotiation guide for the strategy behind the numbers; use the wording below once you know what you're asking for.
Key takeaways
- Get the full offer in writing before you respond, and thank them warmly first.
- Anchor with a specific number and a one-line reason — market data, another offer, or the scope of the role.
- Negotiate the whole package: base, bonus, equity, start date, title, PTO, remote, review timing.
- Ask for everything you want in one consolidated counter, not in a drip of separate requests.
Before you counter
- 1Get the offer in writing with every component: base, bonus, equity, benefits, start date, title.
- 2Say thank you and express genuine enthusiasm — negotiation goes better when they know you want it.
- 3Ask for a few days to review. A short delay is completely normal.
- 4Decide your target number and your walk-away number, backed by market data or a competing offer.
- 5Put all your asks into one message.
Hi [Name], Thank you so much for the offer — I'm excited about the role and the team. This is an important decision for me, so I'd like to take until [day, ~3–5 business days out] to review everything properly. Would that work on your end? Thanks again, [Your name]
Countering on base salary
Hi [Name], Thank you again for the offer to join [Company] as [title] — I'm genuinely enthusiastic about the work and the team. I've reviewed the full package. Based on my research for this role, level and market, and the scope we discussed — [1–2 specifics: team size, ownership of X, the Y challenge] — I was hoping we could get the base salary to [target number]. That would put the offer in line with what I'm seeing for comparable positions. Everything else in the offer looks great. If we can align on base, I'm ready to sign. Best, [Your name]
Hi [Name], Thank you for the offer — [Company] is my first choice and I'd like to make this work. I want to be transparent: I have another offer at [amount / range], and I'd rather join your team. If you're able to bring the base to [target number], I'll accept today and withdraw from the other process. Happy to talk it through by phone if that's easier. Best, [Your name]
If they ask for details and there's nothing there, you've lost credibility for the rest of the conversation. Never bluff a number you can't stand behind.
Negotiating non-salary terms
When base salary is genuinely fixed — common with levelled pay bands — there is often more flexibility on everything else.
- Signing bonus (easiest to move; often covers a lost bonus or the risk of switching)
- Equity or additional stock
- Start date (more time off before you begin)
- Extra PTO or a guaranteed first-year bonus
- Remote or hybrid arrangement in writing
- Job title / level
- An early performance and compensation review at 6 months
- Professional development or relocation budget
Hi [Name], Thanks for confirming the base is set by the band for this level — I understand. Given that, I'd like to ask about two things: 1. A signing bonus of [amount] to offset the [unvested equity / annual bonus] I'm leaving behind at my current company. 2. A compensation and performance review at the 6-month mark rather than waiting a full year. If we can do those, I'm ready to accept. Best, [Your name]
Hi [Name], I'm excited about the role. One thing I'd like to confirm in the written offer: a hybrid schedule of [X days remote per week], since we discussed flexibility in the interviews. Could we add that to the offer letter? Thanks, [Your name]
"What are your salary expectations?"
If asked before an offer, deflect once, then give a researched range with your target near the bottom of it.
Deflect (first time asked): "I'd rather learn more about the role and the level first — but I'm sure we can find a number that works if it's the right fit. What range has the team budgeted for this position?" If pushed for a number: "Based on my research for this role and my experience, I'm targeting [X to X+15%]. Where does that sit relative to your band?"
Closing it out
- 1When you reach agreement, ask for a revised offer letter reflecting every change before you formally accept.
- 2Read the revised letter fully — base, bonus structure, equity vesting, start date, title.
- 3Accept in writing, warmly, and confirm your start date.
- 4If you're declining other offers, do it promptly and graciously — you may cross paths again.
Hi [Name], Thank you — the revised offer looks great and I'm happy to accept. I'm really looking forward to joining [Company] as [title] on [start date]. Please let me know the next steps for paperwork and onboarding. Best, [Your name]
Don't negotiate after you've accepted. Don't renegotiate the same point twice. Don't go silent — reply within a day even if it's just to say you need more time. Don't accept verbally and keep interviewing elsewhere.
Put it into practice
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Start my resumeFrequently asked questions
Will negotiating make them rescind the offer?
It's very rare when you're professional and reasonable. Rescinded offers usually follow aggressive demands, ultimatums, or bad-faith behaviour — not a polite counter with a reason.
How much should I counter?
A counter of about 10–20% above the offered base is normal when you have data to support it. Ask for your true target; expect to meet somewhere in between.
Should I negotiate over email or phone?
Email lets you word things carefully and gives them room to get approvals. A quick call can build goodwill for complex packages. Many people open by email and offer a call as a follow-up.
Can I negotiate if the salary is already good?
Yes — consider non-salary terms like a signing bonus, extra PTO, an earlier review, or a remote arrangement in writing. If everything is genuinely strong, it's also fine to just accept.
What if they say the offer is final?
Take them at their word, thank them, and decide based on the package as it stands. You've lost nothing by asking once.