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You just received an offer from a prospective employer, but after further consideration, you are not satisfied with the compensation package or terms of the initial job offer. And for this reason, you are not ready to make a final decision until you know what else might be possible.
Here's a surprising fact: According to career builders, about 55% of workers don't negotiate their salaries and benefits despite 73% of employers willing to negotiate. This means the first offer is not the final offer.
A well-written letter where you make a counter offer can increase your chances of tipping the scales in your favor. And it keeps you from leaving money on the table.
This article will cover essential tips for writing an effective counteroffer letter, ensuring you can confidently negotiate your desired compensation package, benefits, and conditions. We'll also include counteroffer letter examples and templates you can use to write a counter offer.
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This is a formal letter written to the hiring manager used to negotiate better terms by showcasing a candidate's values and negotiation skills.
A well-crafted counteroffer letter can play a key role during the salary negotiation process or benefits negotiation. This will ensure that the job offer meets your needs – leading to job satisfaction and fair compensation. In your letter, you can outline your desired changes to the initial offer.
Think through the reasons you want to address before you start writing. You may also want to conduct research to see if your desired salary is in alignment with market value or typical salary levels for the role. You might also think about if you have in-demand skills that set you apart from other job applicants. Some of the reasons for writing a letter to open negotiation can include:
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A counteroffer letter takes the format of a formal letter, like a business or cover letter, and it includes the following:
At the top left of your letter, include your full name, address, and contact information. Below that is the date, employer name, title, and address.
Begin with a courteous greeting and express gratitude for the job offer. Show enthusiasm for the position and acknowledge the initial offer. This showcases your professionalism and sets a good tone for the letter.
Justify your reasons for requesting modifications to the job offer. You can use some examples to justify your requests, such as industry standards, the salary range of individuals in similar positions, and your extensive experience.
This gives the negotiation a strong base and shows that you have made careful considerations before making demands.
Defend your position by highlighting how valuable you are. This will give you a base to counter the job offer provided. This is especially important if you are negotiating for a higher salary.
For example, if you are not satisfied with the salary offer and are seeking a better compensation package. You can do the following:
Politely make your requests known. Outline the changes you want in your job offer. It might include additional compensation like a higher salary, which can include base salary and/or equity, benefits like professional development resources, and an adaptable work schedule.
Be specific and realistic in your demands to ensure the potential employer takes you seriously and gives it some significant thought.
It's critical to express your willingness to find a middle ground and discuss terms when you write a counter offer letter. Small businesses may not be able to budge on things like salary range or compensation package, but you can still improve an offer or lay the groundwork for future growth.
Show that you are flexible and willing to consider different scenarios, and be ready to make compromises to arrive at a mutually beneficial agreement.
Being open to negotiation fosters a positive and constructive dialogue and this increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Formally conclude your counter offer letter by restating your excitement for the position and your gratitude for the chance. This makes a good first impression, demonstrates your interest in the position, and indicates that you are ready to work for the organization if the terms are suitable.
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A well-crafted counteroffer letter can bridge the gap between you and a prospective employer and secure the position on terms that are favorable to you. Here are some tips to guide you through the process of writing your letter.
As part of professionalism, thank your hiring manager for offering you the position. This can not only help preserve this relationship in the longer term, it can also make the hiring manager more likely to advocate for your counter offer salary or other requests.
Example: ("Dear [Hiring Manager name],
Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me last week about the [position name],
I am thrilled about the prospect of joining [company name] and contributing my unique skills to [mention a specific project or team aspect].
Don't simply praise the job offer as "great."
Instead, mention specific aspects that genuinely appeal to you. This demonstrates careful consideration of the offer and understanding of the package.
For example: "The comprehensive health insurance plan and the generous vacation policy are particularly appealing."
Here is how to present your requests or adjustments to the initial offer:
Include additional information or research to support your request. For example, mention relevant experience, skills, or accomplishments that demonstrate you're worth the additional investment.
You can also mention other competitive job offers (if applicable) but avoid using them as leverage.
Maintaining a positive and professional tone is a core aspect of effective communication. When you maintain a positive and professional tone in writing to the hiring manager or prospective or potential employer, you convey you are well-attuned emotionally. This also makes it more likely you will receive a positive response.
Here is how to maintain a positive and professional tone when writing counteroffer letters:
While money on the table is often the key consideration during a salary negotiation, you might consider additional perks.
These perks might include relocation assistance for a smooth transition, professional development funds, or even an enhanced digital experience that facilitates remote working.
There may be a few ways beyond the salary offered to meet your needs, including items an employer can offer you might not be aware of, so stay open to seeing what is possible.
To refine your writing and negotiating skills, here are a few tips:
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There are many counter offer letter examples available online, but having a counter offer letter template you can adapt can be especially helpful. Use the professional formatting you would use for a cover letter. Here is a sample counter offer letter template:
Dear [Hiring manager's name],
Thank you for offering me the [Job Title] position at [company name]. I am excited about the possibility of joining the team and contributing to the company's success.
After reviewing the offer, I would like to discuss a few aspects to ensure the terms align with industry/market value standards and my experience. Based on the market research and my extensive background in [relevant field], I truly believe a revised offer would reflect my contribution and future value to the team.
Per a recent industry salary report, the average salary for a [Job Title] with my experience level ranges from [$A] to [$Y]. Given the average salary expectations for my experience of [number] years in [specific industry or skills], I believe a counter-offer salary of [$proposed salary] would be appropriate.
Additionally, considering the comprehensive benefits package offered by [Company X], I would like to discuss the possibility of including [specific benefit].
I want to suggest a revised starting salary of [$desired top salary range], which aligns with the current market rate and my experience. Additionally, I would like to suggest [particular benefit].
I am open to further discussing these requests and confident that we can find a solution that works for everyone. I am adaptable and ready to consider various options for a fair and just agreement.
Thank you again for the opportunity, I am eager to join [Company Name] and add to its continued success. I look forward to discussing this further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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The gist of a counteroffer email is similar to that of a counteroffer letter. The only difference is that an email doesn't require a street address – but it does include a subject line. You'll want to be sure to include your name there.
Here is a counter offer letter email template example:
Subject line: Discussion of Job offer for [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring manager's name],
Thank you for offering the [Job Offer] position, I am excited to work at [Company Name].
After careful consideration, and looking at market research on the average salary for a [Job Title] ranging from [$A] to [$B], I believe a base salary of [your counter offer] will best reflect my experience level and skill set.
I am open to further discussing this request and am confident that we can find a solution that works for everyone. I am adaptable and ready to consider various options for a fair and just agreement.
Thank you again for the opportunity, I am eager to join [Company Name] and add to its continued success. I look forward to discussing this further.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
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It can be disappointing to have your counter offer rejected, but it's important to address the matter respectfully and positively. Start by expressing gratitude for considering your proposal. This preserves goodwill for continued negotiations and demonstrates respect.
Then evaluate your priorities and flexibility. For instance, if salary is your main concern, you can ask about the schedule for salary bumps or raises to see if you can put a feedback loop or timeline in place to get the salary where you want it. If you can be more flexible on other benefits, think about what else you might want to negotiate, like a flexible work schedule, more time off, or opportunities for growth and development.
However, if the rejection affects your decision to accept the offer, communicate your concerns respectfully but maintain a calm approach.
Arrange a meeting to discuss potential misunderstandings regarding your counter offer.
Dialogue sometimes leads to a mutual agreement.
Ultimately, if an agreement cannot be reached, respectfully decline the offer, expressing appreciation for the opportunity while leaving room for future possibilities.
Here's a sample response template you can adapt:
Dear [Hiring Manager name],
I appreciate your consideration and taking your time to get back to me.
Additionally, I appreciate you understanding my perspective on the position.
(If interested): I remain very interested in the opportunity to join [Company Name] and believe I can significantly contribute to the team with my skills and experience in [mention relevant skills].
(Optional - Negotiation): Perhaps there's room to explore alternative compensation structures like a signing bonus or a salary increase spread over a longer period. I would be very interested to learn more about what might be possible.
Perhaps we can put some time on the calendar to continue negotiations. I am available at [days & times].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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Remember negotiating with your parents? Or asking your boss for more hours?
We've all been there, whether in school or at home. Negotiation is a key aspect of our daily life.
However, mastering negotiation takes more than childhood experience. It's a skill that can transform your career, especially regarding salary talks, title changes, and overall career progression.
Highrise coaching unlocks the art and science of negotiation.
Book a free discovery call today to see how we can empower you to get what you deserve.
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