Struggling to write a counter offer letter? This article teaches you how to write a counter offer letter with 5+ examples!
So, it finally happened. You open your inbox and the words “offer letter” laid out on the subject line make your eyes pop. Wo-hoo!
But when you open that e-mail and look at the job offer, your expectations shatter like glass: the salary doesn't meet your expectations.
So, what to do? Write a counter offer letter, that's what!
In this article, you will learn:
A counter offer letter is what the winning candidate sends to the hiring manager when they want to negotiate the initial job offer. The candidate usually expresses their excitement and gratitude for the offer, followed by an ask to negotiate the compensation package with evidence and support for the additional asks.
I know it may sound like a bold move. Some candidates hold back on this because they're afraid the company will pull out the offer.
But the truth is, according to this LinkedIn pool with ~6,700 voters, around 46% of candidates not only were successful with their negotiation but actually got more than what they expected from their last salary negotiation.
If the compensation package wasn't discussed during the application process and you received an offer that is lower than what you expected, then you should definitely work on a counter offer letter.
And there's more than one reason for it. For starters…
In fact, 84% of employers said they expect candidates to negotiate their salary. Companies usually work with a salary range and will frequently make an offer on the lower end.
Plus, only 15% of people who negotiate don't get anything from it. And by “anything”, mean no salary increase or changes in the compensation package. It's very, very unlikely for a company to pull off the offer altogether (and if they do, that's probably a red flag and you'll be better off, anyway).
$500,000, to be exact.
A study carried out by Salary.com showed that not negotiating your salary can cost you half a million dollars throughout your career. Half a million!
Let's break down the math and understand what's behind the salary negotiation:
Makes sense, huh?
So, are you really willing to leave that amount of money on the table?
There are more than just practical benefits to making a counter offer.
For one, you are stepping out of your comfort zone. I know this might not seem like a big deal now, but moving forward, you will use this memory of overcoming a terrifying situation to encourage you in different scenarios. By stepping out of your comfort zone, you are building confidence.
Plus, you are also learning to negotiate — which is relevant to every role, like it or not.
Now that you've seen the importance of negotiating a salary offer, it's time you learn how to write a counter offer letter. Follow this step-by-step guide and you'll be looking at an average 25% increase from the initial offer!
First off, don't go asking for a number out of the top of your head! And not because you're likely to give a number that exceeds their budget… but because you might actually give a number on the lower end of the salary range and risk them lowballing you.
Instead, do your research! Look for the average pay for your role in tools like:
Keep in mind, however, that salary negotiations begin early on, so it's best you gear up before you walk into an interview. You will need to research, strategize, and dedicate a fair amount of time preparing to negotiate your salary!
Pro Tip: I highly recommend you read the article “3 Salary Negotiation Tips You Need To Double Your Offer” before that first conversation. If you're on the run, though, you can also listen to this 14-minute episode from The Dream Job System Podcast, “How To Negotiate A Salary You Deserve“.
Once you're done with that, this 4-step strategy to increase the offer value from Austin's LinkedIn will help you outline a plan:
Once you're all geared up, it's time to start writing!
If you are concerned about them pulling back the offer — which, as I said, is very unlikely, but I get you — then the best way to start your counter offer letter is not by simply thanking them for the offer, but by expressing enthusiasm and gratitude.
This way, not only will you feel like you're playing it safe, but you'll also get brownie points for your politeness.
❌ Don't start with anything like this:
Hi, Erica,
Thank you for the opportunity, but the salary is lower than what I was expecting. Would the company be willing to negotiate?
✅ Instead, try something like this:
Hi, Erica!
Thank you for extending me the offer for the Product Manager position at GreenRide! I appreciate the opportunity and am extremely excited to join the team.
However, I believe that, based on my experience, there's room for some adjustments that can be mutually beneficial.
Much better, right? Let's look into the details that make this introduction so much better:
There's no way a company would pull off a job offer from someone who's shown this much appreciation, don't you think?
Still, there's no need to be excessive!
If you're anything like me and you have an urge to o convey your sincere enthusiasm, take a step back before you do anything rash! After all, y ou don't want to lose your shot by showing them you'll back off in the first “no” because you're too excited and feeling insecure they'll pull off the offer, right?
❌ Avoid bringing in too much enthusiasm, like this:
Hi, Erica!
Thank you so much for the offer!! I am so incredibly grateful for this amazing opportunity and super excited to join the team!!
However, I was wondering if we could discuss some adjustments. If you can't, I'm more then happy to take the initial offer!
Here's what's wrong with this approach:
I know this can sound tricky (especially for millennials, like me). But trust me — you've got this!
You've made it past the hardest part. Now it's time to bring in your arguments!
✅ Here's how:
I've done some comprehensive research during the application process and found the average salary for a Product Manager with a minimum of two years of experience in the IT industry ranges from $178,000 to $233,000 per year.
You can't argue with facts, right?
After bringing in the numbers, you can bring in your counter offer!
✅ Here's how:
I would like to propose a counter offer of $223,570, which falls within the range for this position. Do you think we can agree to this number?
Now, before you hit “Send”, be sure to:
Reinforce that you are excited about the opportunity and just want to clear this out before moving forward.
✅ Here's how:
Thank you once again for extending me the Project Management role. I am extremely excited about the opportunity and ready to get started once we've reached an agreement. Please let me know if there are any questions. I look forward to hearing back soon!
And there you go! You've successfully made your way into potentially earning an additional $500,000 over your career.
Now, let's see what this counter offer letter looks like!
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Remember what Austin's LinkedIn post said up there? Two “No's” are normal in a negotiation. So if your counter offer was refused, try again with a slightly different approach.
I recommend you head back to the “3 Simple Salary Negotiation Tips You Need To Double Your Offer” and read “Step 2: Push To Stay” in the Part 3 section of the article. You will find the exact script to use to push for the salary you deserve!
In case you need more inspiration, here are five counter offer letter examples you can use as a template!
Example #1: Counter Offer For A Senior Grapgic Design Role
Dear Jason,
I'm excited to receive the offer for the Senior Graphic Designer role at Creatives Inc. The prospect of joining the team are thrilling!
While I'm eager to contribute to the company's success, I noticed that the initial salary offer is slightly below the typical range for someone with my background and experience in the graphic design field. Based on my research and the standard in our industry, the salary range for a Senior Graphic Designer with over five years of experience is typically between $75,000 and $90,000 annually.
This in minde, I am hopeful we can find common ground. Could we explore a salary adjustment toward $85,964 per year?
Thank you once again for this incredible opportunity. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of joining Creatives Inc. and eager to contribute to our shared success. Looking forward to your thoughts.
Warmest regards,
Sophia Martinez
Example #2: Counter Offer For A Digital Marketing Specialist Role
Hello Thomas,
Thank you so much for offering me the role of Digital Marketing Specialist at MarketGrowth. I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to be part of your team and contribute to your company's innovative projects.
However, after considering the responsibilities of the role and the industry standards, I feel that the salary offered does not fully reflect the expertise and value I can bring to MarketGrowth. Research indicates that the salary range for a Digital Marketing Specialist with my level of experience typically lies between $65,000 and $80,000 annually.
I am keen to reach an agreement that is beneficial for both parties. Would it be possible to discuss a revised offer of $76,876?
Thank you again for this offer, and I am very much looking forward to the possibility of working together. I am confident that we can come to a mutually satisfying agreement.
Best regards,
Michael Johnson
Example 3: Counter Offer For a Software Engineer Role
Dear Angela,
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to join the team at TechInnovate as a Software Engineer. The role excites me, and I am looking forward to contributing to the company's groundbreaking projects.
While I am enthusiastic about the offer, I noted that the proposed salary is below the average for similar positions in the tech industry, especially for someone with skills in machine learning. Industry data suggests that the salary range for a Software Engineer with my qualifications and experience is between $100,000 and $120,000 annually.
Would it be possible to adjust the offer to $111,983? I believe this adjustment would more accurately represent the value I can add to TechInnovate.
Thank you again for this fantastic opportunity. I am eager to join the team and am hopeful that we can come to a mutually beneficial arrangement. I look forward to your feedback.
Sincerely,
Elena Kim
Example 4: Counter Offer For A Data Analyst Role
Hi Rebecca,
I want to express my sincere thanks for the offer to join BloomTech as a Data Analyst. The role is exactly what I've been looking for, and I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to your team's success.
Upon review, I noticed that the starting salary is a bit lower than the typical range for this role, given the required expertise and industry standards. According to my research, the going rate for a Data Analyst with my level of experience and skill set ranges from $68,000 to $85,000 annually.
I am hopeful that we can discuss a possible adjustment to the offer, aiming for a figure $81,564, which I believe reflects the value I will bring to BloomTech.
Thank you once again for the opportunity. I am very much looking forward to potentially starting this new chapter with BloomTech and contributing to your esteemed team.
Kind regards,
Liam Peterson
Example 5: Counter Offer for a UX Designer Role
Dear Caroline,
I am thrilled to have been offered the position of UX Designer at DesignForward. It's an opportunity I've been very excited about, and I can't wait to contribute to the team.
That said, I would like to discuss the initial salary offer. Based on my experience and the standard compensation for UX Designers in our industry, the typical salary range is between $80,000 and $95,000 annually. Given my extensive experience and the portfolio of successful projects I bring, I believe an adjustment is warranted.
Could we consider a salary of $95,567? I am confident in my ability to deliver exceptional value to DesignForward and am eager to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
Thank you again for this offer, and I look forward to the possibility of us working together. I am excited about the potential impact we can make.
Best,
Jordan Lee
I know writing a counter offer letter has its challenges. But trust me: no company would pull off an offer, especially from a great candidate. Let fear aside and gran on to that salary you deserve!
Want to bring on your A-game to your interview and ace questions like “what are your salary expectations”? Be sure to check out The Interview Preperation System, with 30+ lessons and 5h of content to turn that job interview into a job offer.
Paula is Cultivated Culture's amazing Editor and Content Manager. Her background is in journalism and she's transitioned from roles in education, to tech, to finance, and more. She blends her journalism background with her job search experience to share advice aimed at helping people like you land jobs they love without applying online.
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