Taking charge of your career starts with being compensated fairly for your experience and skills.
A counteroffer letter is like saying, “Let’s find some middle ground.” It’s where you can negotiate terms like salary, benefits, or other conditions to better match with what you need—and deserve.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- When it’s the right time (and wrong time) to send a counteroffer letter.
- How to write a letter that grabs attention.
- Real-life examples of successful negotiations.
- What to do if your counteroffer is rejected (without burning bridges).
Ready? Let’s dive in!
What Is a Counteroffer Letter?
So you’ve just received a job offer, but something does not quite feel right about the initial terms. That’s where a counteroffer letter comes into play.
You’re excited about the role but know your skills and experience are worth more than the initial offer. A counteroffer is about valuing yourself.
Basically, it’s your chance to have an honest conversation about what you bring to the table. Think of it like this: a well-written counteroffer shows you’re not just another applicant.
You’re strategic, confident, and know your worth. What about employers? They appreciate candidates who can articulate their value professionally.
Pro tips for your letter
- Keep it friendly but professional
- Be specific about what you’re negotiating
- Show genuine enthusiasm for the role
- Back up your requests with solid reasoning
Remember, negotiation is an art. Your goal is not to argue, but to collaborate and find a win-win solution that makes both you and the employer happy.
Counteroffer letter vs. salary negotiation email
While both a counteroffer letter and a salary negotiation email have the same goal, they’re different in format and tone:
- Counteroffer letter: It’s typically more detailed and may include supporting evidence such as market research or personal achievements.
- Salary negotiation email: Less formal, It’s ideal for quick communication. Emails are often preferred for their efficiency.
Both approaches are valid, but selecting one depends on the context and the level of formality required by the employer.
Why use a counteroffer letter?
A counteroffer letter makes negotiation easier and emphasizes your interest in the role.
Being proactive like this can help you set a positive tone for your future professional relationship with the employer.
When Should You Send a Counteroffer Letter?
Timing and context are key if you want to be taken seriously.
Below are key situations where sending a counteroffer letter is a good idea.
The salary offered is below market average
If the offered salary does not match industry standards or is not enough to meet your needs, it’s reasonable that you request an adjustment.
Backing your request with research on market rates for similar roles in your location can strengthen your case.
You possess unique skills or qualifications that justify higher pay
When you bring specialized expertise, certifications, or achievements that exceed the job’s basic requirements, you’re in a strong position to negotiate.
Employers value talent that can deliver exceptional results, so highlight your unique contributions to justify a higher salary.
You have competing job offers with better compensation packages
This can be a powerful negotiation tool if you’ve received other offers.
While it’s important to remain professional and avoid ultimatums, mentioning competing offers tactfully can encourage the employer to improve their proposal.
You want to negotiate non-salary benefits
Sometimes, the base salary may be acceptable, but other aspects of the offer—like flexible working arrangements, relocation assistance, additional vacation days, or professional development opportunities—could be improved.
A counteroffer letter is an excellent way to address these non-salary concerns.
How To Write an Effective Counteroffer Letter
Writing a compelling counteroffer letter requires careful planning, clear communication, and a professional tone.
This document serves as your opportunity to negotiate better terms while maintaining a positive relationship with the employer.
Follow the steps below to write an effective counteroffer letter.
1. Research and preparation
Before drafting your letter, preparation is key to making a strong case for your counteroffer:
- Conduct market research: Use resources like Glassdoor or industry-specific salary reports to determine the typical salary range for your role, industry, and location.
- Gather evidence: Highlight your qualifications, certifications, or achievements that demonstrate your value. For instance, if you’ve led successful projects or possess in-demand skills, these can support your proposal.
- Define your priorities: Decide what aspects of the offer you want to negotiate—such as salary, benefits, or additional perks like remote work options.
When preparing your counteroffer letter, having a polished and professional resume can further demonstrate your value to employers.
Consider using our AI-powered resume builder to create a tailored, impactful resume that highlights your achievements and skills, making your case for negotiation even stronger.
2. Structure of a counteroffer letter
An effective counteroffer letter follows a clear structure that ensures professionalism and readability.
Professional salutation
Address the hiring manager by name to personalize the letter.
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Gracious introduction
Start by expressing gratitude for the opportunity and enthusiasm for the role.
Thank you for offering me the [Position] role at [Company]. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.
State your counteroffer
Clearly outline the adjustments you’re requesting. Specify your desired salary or benefits and provide logical reasoning backed by evidence.
I would like to propose a base salary of $85,000, which aligns with industry standards for this position in [Location].
Based on my experience leading [specific projects] and my certification in [relevant skill], I believe this adjustment reflects my value.
Conclude positively
Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and express openness to further discussion.
I look forward to joining [Company] and am confident we can reach an agreement that works for both parties. Thank you for considering my request.
3. Tone and language tips
The tone of your counteroffer letter is just as important as its content.
Below are some tips for effective communication:
- Maintain professionalism: Use respectful language and avoid sounding confrontational or demanding.
- Be specific: Instead of vague phrases like “a higher salary,” state exact numbers (e.g., “$85,000”). This demonstrates confidence and clarity.
- Stay positive: Frame your requests as collaborative rather than adversarial. For example: “I believe this adjustment reflects my skills and contributions while aligning with market standards.”
A well-prepared and thoughtfully written counteroffer letter increases your chances of securing better terms.
How To Counteroffer Salary via Email
Countering a salary offer via email is a practical and efficient way to negotiate terms. Emails are ideal for concise communication, allowing you to present your request clearly without the need for a formal letter.
Here’s how to structure an effective salary counteroffer email.
Subject line
The subject line of your email should immediately convey its purpose while remaining professional and straightforward.
Below are a few examples:
- “Discussion Regarding Job Offer – [Your Name]”
- “Counteroffer Proposal – [Your Name]”
- “Regarding [Job Title] Offer – Counterproposal”
A clear subject line lets the hiring manager know the email’s intent at a glance.
Key email elements
A counteroffer email should be concise yet professional, focusing on clarity and brevity.
Consider the following elements.
Opening with gratitude
Begin by thanking the employer for the job offer and expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
I appreciate the offer for the [Position] role at [Company] and am thrilled about the chance to be part of your team.
Presenting your counteroffer
State your proposed adjustments clearly and explain why.
Specify your desired salary or benefits and back up your request with evidence, such as your experience, skills, or certifications.
Based on an analysis of market data, I propose a base salary of $50,000, which is consistent with industry benchmarks.
Given my [X years of experience/specific achievements], I believe this adjustment reflects my value to the team.
Ending on a positive note
Reiterate your interest in the position and willingness to discuss further.
I look forward to joining [Company] and hope we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement. Thank you for considering my request.
Sample counteroffer email template
A well-structured counteroffer email template can help you confidently and professionally communicate your counteroffer to an employer.
Subject: Discussion Regarding Job Offer – [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for offering me the [Position] role at [Company]. I am excited about this opportunity and eager to contribute to your team.
After reviewing the offer, I would like to discuss adjusting the base salary to [$X], which aligns with industry standards for this position in [Location]. This adjustment reflects my [specific skills/experience], which I believe will add significant value to your team.
I am open to discussing this further and exploring mutually beneficial terms. Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
How To Negotiate Salary Offer Example Scenarios
Salary negotiations can take different forms depending on the situation. Below are 3 common scenarios and how to approach each one effectively.
Negotiating for a higher base salary
When the offered salary does not align with your expectations or market standards, you can request an adjustment by presenting a strong case.
Justify with data
Use market research to show that your desired salary is reasonable for the role, industry, and location.
Based on my research and the responsibilities outlined in this position, I believe a base salary of $65,000 better reflects the market rate.
Highlight your achievements
Emphasize how your skills and past accomplishments make you uniquely qualified for the role.
In my previous role, I led a project that increased revenue by 20%, which demonstrates my ability to deliver impactful results.
Requesting additional benefits
If the salary meets your expectations but other aspects of the offer could be improved—such as remote work options, signing bonuses, or additional vacation days—you can negotiate for these perks.
Align with company goals
Frame your request in a way that benefits both you and the employer.
I’d like to discuss adding remote work flexibility to my package. This would allow me to maintain high productivity while balancing personal commitments.
Be specific
Clearly outline what you’re asking for and why it matters.
I’d like to propose a signing bonus of $5,000 to help with relocation expenses as I transition into this role.
Focusing on mutual benefits demonstrates that your requests are thoughtful and reasonable.
Negotiating after receiving competing offers
If you have multiple job offers, you can use them to negotiate a better package—while remaining respectful and professional.
Mention competing offers tactfully
Avoid sounding confrontational or creating a bidding war. Instead, express genuine interest in the role while referencing other offers.
Thank you again for this opportunity. I’ve received another offer with a higher salary of $90,000, but I’m very excited about joining your team. Is there room to adjust the compensation package to better align with this figure?
Emphasize your value
Reinforce why you’re worth the investment by highlighting how your skills align with their needs.
Given my experience in driving successful campaigns and my ability to exceed targets consistently, I believe I can bring significant value to your team.
Each negotiation scenario requires preparation and tact. Focus on presenting logical arguments backed by data and achievements.
What Happens If Your Counteroffer Is Rejected?
Even with thorough preparation and a strong case, there’s always a chance that your counteroffer may be turned down. How you respond to this situation can leave a lasting impression and preserve your professional reputation.
If negotiations don’t succeed, you can do the following.
Express gratitude for their consideration
Regardless of the outcome, it’s important to thank the employer for taking the time to review your counteroffer.
Acknowledge their effort and express appreciation for the opportunity.
Thank you for considering my request and for the time you’ve spent discussing the offer with me. I truly appreciate the opportunity to join your team.
Decide whether to accept or decline the original offer
If your counteroffer is rejected, take time to evaluate if you’re willing to accept the original terms or move on. Consider factors such as:
- If the initial offer meets your minimum acceptable salary or non-monetary needs (e.g., growth opportunities, work-life balance).
- Your long-term career goals and whether this role aligns with them.
If you choose to accept, do so graciously and reaffirm your enthusiasm for the position. If you decide to decline, communicate your decision respectfully.
After careful consideration, I’ve decided to pursue other opportunities that better align with my career goals. Thank you again for this opportunity.
Rejection of a counteroffer doesn’t have to be a setback—it’s an opportunity to reassess your priorities and explore new possibilities.
Final Thoughts: Why Writing a Counteroffer Letter Is Worth It
Negotiating your job offer is a key step in shaping your career and securing the compensation you deserve.
Beyond financial benefits, it sets the foundation for a professional relationship built on mutual respect and understanding.
It’s natural to feel hesitant about negotiating, but leaving money or benefits on the table out of fear of rejection can have long-term consequences for your financial well-being and career satisfaction.
Employers often expect some level of negotiation, and when done respectfully, it demonstrates confidence and professionalism—qualities that are highly valued in any workplace.
Struggling with Resume Writing?
Ease the process with our templates
Related Blogs