Salary Negotiation Emails: Word-for-Word Scripts That Work

Most salary negotiation advice ends with "know your worth" and "be confident." Not especially useful when you're staring at an offer email and need to know exactly what to type.

Here are scripts you can use directly, adapted for four common scenarios.

Before you write anything: two things to confirm

What's the actual number? Don't negotiate until you know the full compensation — base salary, bonus structure, equity, benefits. Negotiating base without knowing the bonus potential is how people leave money on the table. Ask for the full comp package in writing if you don't have it.

What's your target range? Not "what would be nice" — what's the minimum you'd accept, and what would make you sign the same day? If you'd accept $85K and sign immediately at $95K, your counter should be $95–100K. Anchoring at your minimum leaves no room to land where you actually want.

Script 1: Counter-offer after receiving an initial offer

Subject: Re: [Job Title] — Offer letter

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Hi [Name],

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Thank you for the offer and for the time you've put into this process. I'm genuinely excited about the role and the team.

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After reviewing the full compensation package, I'd like to discuss the base salary. Based on my experience in [specific area] and the current market for this role, I was hoping to land closer to [target number]. Is there flexibility there?

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Happy to discuss on a call if that's easier.

What makes this work: it's short, it's specific about the number, and it ties the ask to something concrete (experience, market data) rather than personal need.

Script 2: Asking for more time before responding

Subject: Re: [Job Title] — Offer letter

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Hi [Name],

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Thank you so much for the offer — I'm really excited about the opportunity. I want to give this the consideration it deserves before responding.

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Would it be possible to have until [specific date — 5–7 days from now] to get back to you? I want to make sure I'm fully prepared when we speak.

Don't ask for "a few days" — give a specific date. Vague requests signal indecision; a specific date signals you're organized.

Script 3: Following up after a verbal negotiation

Subject: Following up on our conversation — [Job Title]

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Hi [Name],

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Thanks for the conversation today. To confirm what we discussed: a base salary of [amount], a [bonus structure], and [any other terms agreed].

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I'm looking forward to receiving the updated offer letter reflecting these changes. Once I have that in hand, I'll be happy to confirm my start date.

Why this matters: verbal agreements disappear. This email creates a paper trail without sounding adversarial.

Script 4: Negotiating a raise at your current company

Subject: Compensation review — [Your Name]

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Hi [Manager Name],

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I'd like to schedule some time to discuss my compensation. Over the last [period], I've [specific achievement 1] and [specific achievement 2]. Based on that work and current market rates for [role], I'd like to discuss bringing my base to [target].

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Would [day] work for a 30-minute conversation?

The specifics matter here more than anywhere. "I've contributed a lot" doesn't move anyone. "I've managed the [X] account for 18 months, grown revenue 30%, and the role has expanded to include [new responsibility]" does.

What not to write

A few things that reliably hurt negotiations:

• Apologizing for negotiating. "I'm sorry to ask, but..." signals that you expect to be told no. Skip it.
• Explaining personal financial needs. Mortgage, kids, student loans — none of that is your employer's basis for pay decisions. Market data and your track record are.
• Threatening to walk without being ready to. If you say "I have another offer," you should have another offer. Bluffing gets called.
• Waiting too long after receiving the offer. Most companies expect a response in 3–5 business days. Silence past that point creates awkwardness and can be read as disinterest.

The emails above are starting points. Adapt the specifics — every negotiation has its own dynamics, and the right number for your situation depends on what you've researched, not what a template says.