Requesting a better offer is common during hiring when done politely with a clear reason. Fill in the offer, your desired figure, and the reason, then choose an approach.
Your email
Subject:Offer for [Job title in the offer]: salary discussion — [Your name]
Dear [Recruiter's or HR contact's name],
Thank you for offering me the position of [Job title in the offer] at [Company name]. I am excited about the role and the team, and I would very much like to join.
Before I accept, I would like to discuss the salary. The offer is [Pay offered], and I would like to ask you to consider [Pay you are asking for]. [Your reasons]
I understand that budgets have limits, and I am happy to talk this through. [Where you are flexible] If we can agree on [Pay you are asking for], I am ready to accept the offer and confirm my joining date.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Words in [brackets] are what you replace. The generator above fills them in for you.
Counter-offer with a figure
Subject: Offer for [Job title in the offer]: salary discussion — [Your name]
Dear [Recruiter's or HR contact's name],
Thank you for offering me the position of [Job title in the offer] at [Company name]. I am excited about the role and the team, and I would very much like to join.
Before I accept, I would like to discuss the salary. The offer is [Pay offered], and I would like to ask you to consider [Pay you are asking for]. [Your reasons]
I understand that budgets have limits, and I am happy to talk this through. [Where you are flexible] If we can agree on [Pay you are asking for], I am ready to accept the offer and confirm my joining date.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Asking for a joining bonus
Subject: Offer for [Job title in the offer]: request for a joining bonus — [Your name]
Dear [Recruiter's or HR contact's name],
Thank you for offering me the position of [Job title in the offer] at [Company name]. I am keen to join, and I have one request before I accept.
The offer is [Pay offered], and I had hoped for something closer to [Pay you are asking for]. [Your reasons]
If the salary itself cannot change, would you consider a one-time joining bonus of [Joining bonus to ask for]? It would help bridge the gap without changing the salary structure for the role.
[Where you are flexible]
I am happy to discuss this on a call if that is easier. Thank you for considering it.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Asking for a review after 6 months
Subject: Offer for [Job title in the offer]: request for a salary review after six months — [Your name]
Dear [Recruiter's or HR contact's name],
Thank you for offering me the position of [Job title in the offer] at [Company name]. I am keen to join, and I would like to suggest one addition before I accept.
The offer is [Pay offered], while I had hoped for [Pay you are asking for]. [Your reasons]
I understand the budget for this role may be fixed for now. Would it be possible to agree on a salary review after six months, with a revision to [Pay you are asking for] if I meet the goals we set together for that period? If so, I would be glad to accept the current offer.
Could the review and its terms be included in the offer letter, or confirmed in writing, so that we are both clear on what is expected?
[Where you are flexible]
Thank you for considering this. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Tips
Propose one specific number, not a range, as the response may be at the lower end of the range.
Before deciding on the number, research salary information for similar roles from job listings and industry contacts.
Support your requested figure with your skills, experience, achievements, and the role's requirements. Personal expenses won't influence an employer.
Make fair comparisons: fixed pay to fixed pay and total packages to total packages.
Decide beforehand your course of action if the answer is no: accept the original offer, request something else, or decline.
Once agreed, request the updated offer letter and only proceed with acceptance or resignation when it is in writing.
When to Use the Salary Email Tool
The Salary Negotiation Email Format tool is handy when you receive a job offer and wish to discuss a better salary. It helps you put together a courteous email, showing your reasons clearly. This is a normal part of the hiring process, and the tool guides you on choosing the right approach.
Using this tool fits well with finding and applying for IT and technology jobs on Daily Hirer. After exploring opportunities in cities like Bengaluru or Mumbai and submitting your applications, if you get an offer, this tool helps you craft your email response before accepting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it alright to negotiate salary after receiving an offer?
Yes. Politely asking once with a clear reason is a regular part of hiring. Typically, the worst that can happen is being told the offer is the final one.
How much more money should I request?
Base your counter on similar job pay, your current salary, and your contributions, not a set percentage. Pick one figure you can justify in a sentence or two.
Is it better to negotiate pay through an email or a phone call?
Both options are fine. Email lets you carefully write your request and keeps a record. If a call works out, send an email afterwards to confirm.
What should I do if the company says the salary offer is final?
Think about whether the offer meets your needs. You could still ask for a joining bonus, an early review of your pay, or other benefits. Don't pretend to have another offer if you don't.