To negotiate a job offer over email, express gratitude for the offer, state your ask clearly with specific numbers and market data justification, and close collaboratively — not as an ultimatum. Keep the email under 150 words. Studies show that 85% of employers expect negotiation, and 70% of those who negotiate receive some increase. The risk of an offer being rescinded for polite negotiation is under 1%. Email negotiation is slightly less effective than a live call — use a call if possible, email if you must.
Negotiating over email is less ideal than a phone or video call — you can't read tone, use silence effectively, or build rapport in the same way. But sometimes it's the only option: you're dealing with a remote recruiter in a different timezone, you prefer to have things in writing, or you simply communicate better in text.
Here's how to do it right.
Before You Write: What You Need to Know
- 1.Your target number — what you actually want
- 2.Your walk-away number — the minimum you'd accept
- 3.Market data — specific salary ranges from Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, LinkedIn Salary, or Payscale for this role and location
- 4.Any competing offer — if you have one, this is your strongest card
For the full negotiation psychology and scripts (including in-person), see our guide to salary negotiation scripts.
Template 1: Counter-Offer Email (Standard)
Subject: Re: [Job Title] Offer — Following Up
Hi [Recruiter/Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you so much for the offer — I'm genuinely excited about the opportunity to join [Company]. After reviewing the package carefully, I'd like to discuss the base salary.
Based on my research of market compensation for this role in [location] and the experience I bring in [1-2 specific relevant areas], I was hoping we could reach a base salary of [your target number]. Is that something we could explore?
I'm very enthusiastic about this opportunity and I'm confident we can find a number that works for both of us.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Why it works: Gratitude first, specific ask with justification, collaborative close. Under 150 words. Specific number — not "a higher salary."
Template 2: When You Have a Competing Offer
Hi [Name],
I want to be transparent with you: I've received another offer at [competing offer amount]. I'm genuinely more excited about [Company], but the gap in compensation is significant.
Is there room to get closer to [competing offer amount or slightly below]? I'd love to make this work.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Brevity signals confidence. A competing offer email should be short.
Template 3: Negotiating Benefits When Salary Is Fixed
Hi [Name],
Thank you again for the offer. I understand the base salary may be fixed within its band. If that's the case, are there other components we could explore? I'm thinking about things like: signing bonus, additional PTO, a remote work arrangement, or an earlier performance review cycle.
I'm flexible on which form it takes — I just want to make sure we're set up for a strong, long-term working relationship.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Template 4: Negotiating Start Date
Hi [Name],
I'm very excited to accept this offer. I did want to ask about the start date — would it be possible to start on [your preferred date] rather than [their suggested date]? I want to make sure I can wrap up properly in my current role and start fully focused.
Please let me know if that works.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Template 5: Asking for Time to Decide
Hi [Name],
Thank you so much for the offer — I'm very excited about this opportunity. I'd like to take a few days to review the full package carefully. Would it be okay if I get back to you by [specific date — 3-5 business days from now]?
I want to make sure I can give you a thoughtful response.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Important: Always give a specific date. "In a few days" is vague. A specific date is professional.
What Not to Do in a Negotiation Email
- Don't apologize for negotiating ("I'm sorry to ask this, but...")
- Don't be vague — "a bit more" or "higher salary" without a number gives them no target
- Don't use ultimatum language — "I need at least X or I can't accept" is confrontational
- Don't send it right before a weekend — you want a fast response
- Don't forget to follow up if they go silent — see how to follow up after an interview for the templates
Frequently Asked Questions
Will they rescind the offer if I negotiate by email?
Extremely unlikely. Offer rescission for reasonable negotiation happens in under 1% of cases, according to a Fidelity Investments study. If a company rescinds an offer because you asked respectfully, that reveals a toxic culture — you've dodged a bullet.
Should I call or email when negotiating?
Call if you can. Phone and video negotiation is more effective because you can use silence, read tone, and build rapport. Email is fine when a call isn't possible or when you want everything in writing. Some people also negotiate better in writing — know yourself.
How long should I wait before sending a counter-offer email?
24-48 hours is ideal. Long enough to seem thoughtful; short enough to maintain momentum. Don't wait longer than 5 business days — the employer may assume you're going with another offer.
What if the company says the offer is non-negotiable?
Ask about non-salary components (signing bonus, PTO, title, remote work, earlier review cycle). Also verify whether "non-negotiable" means truly fixed or is a first-line negotiation tactic. A collaborative counter-offer response often reveals flexibility that "non-negotiable" was designed to discourage.