Asking for a better offer is a normal part of hiring when you do it politely and give a clear reason. Fill in the offer, the figure you want and why, and pick an approach.
Your email
Subject:Offer for [Job title in the offer]: salary discussion — [Your name]
Dear [Recruiter's or HR contact's name],
Thank you for offering me the position of [Job title in the offer] at [Company name]. I am excited about the role and the team, and I would very much like to join.
Before I accept, I would like to discuss the salary. The offer is [Pay offered], and I would like to ask you to consider [Pay you are asking for]. [Your reasons]
I understand that budgets have limits, and I am happy to talk this through. [Where you are flexible] If we can agree on [Pay you are asking for], I am ready to accept the offer and confirm my joining date.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Words in [brackets] are what you replace. The generator above fills them in for you.
Counter-offer with a figure
Subject: Offer for [Job title in the offer]: salary discussion — [Your name]
Dear [Recruiter's or HR contact's name],
Thank you for offering me the position of [Job title in the offer] at [Company name]. I am excited about the role and the team, and I would very much like to join.
Before I accept, I would like to discuss the salary. The offer is [Pay offered], and I would like to ask you to consider [Pay you are asking for]. [Your reasons]
I understand that budgets have limits, and I am happy to talk this through. [Where you are flexible] If we can agree on [Pay you are asking for], I am ready to accept the offer and confirm my joining date.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Asking for a joining bonus
Subject: Offer for [Job title in the offer]: request for a joining bonus — [Your name]
Dear [Recruiter's or HR contact's name],
Thank you for offering me the position of [Job title in the offer] at [Company name]. I am keen to join, and I have one request before I accept.
The offer is [Pay offered], and I had hoped for something closer to [Pay you are asking for]. [Your reasons]
If the salary itself cannot change, would you consider a one-time joining bonus of [Joining bonus to ask for]? It would help bridge the gap without changing the salary structure for the role.
[Where you are flexible]
I am happy to discuss this on a call if that is easier. Thank you for considering it.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Asking for a review after 6 months
Subject: Offer for [Job title in the offer]: request for a salary review after six months — [Your name]
Dear [Recruiter's or HR contact's name],
Thank you for offering me the position of [Job title in the offer] at [Company name]. I am keen to join, and I would like to suggest one addition before I accept.
The offer is [Pay offered], while I had hoped for [Pay you are asking for]. [Your reasons]
I understand the budget for this role may be fixed for now. Would it be possible to agree on a salary review after six months, with a revision to [Pay you are asking for] if I meet the goals we set together for that period? If so, I would be glad to accept the current offer.
Could the review and its terms be included in the offer letter, or confirmed in writing, so that we are both clear on what is expected?
[Where you are flexible]
Thank you for considering this. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Tips
Ask for one specific figure, not a range. If you give a range, expect to be offered its lower end.
Before you pick the figure, look at what similar roles pay, from job listings that show salaries and from people who work in the field.
Justify the figure with your skills, experience and results, and with what the role needs. Personal expenses are not a reason an employer can act on.
Compare like with like: fixed pay with fixed pay, and the total package with the total package.
Decide before you send it what you will do if they say no: accept the original offer, ask for something else, or walk away.
Once you agree, ask for the revised offer letter, and accept or resign only after you have it in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to negotiate salary after getting an offer?
Yes. Asking once, politely and with a clear reason, is a normal part of hiring. Usually the worst outcome is that the employer says the offer is final.
How much more should I ask for?
Base it on what similar roles pay, your current pay and what you bring, not on a fixed percentage. Choose one figure you can explain in a sentence or two.
Should I negotiate by email or on a call?
Either works. Email gives you time to word your request carefully and puts it in writing. If you agree on a call, confirm it by email afterwards.
What if the company says the offer is final?
Decide whether the original offer works for you. You can still ask about a joining bonus, an early salary review or other terms, but don't claim another offer you don't have.