Salary Negotiation Email Prompt

What it does

Writes the email you send after receiving a job offer when the compensation isn't what you need or expected. The output is direct without being aggressive, grounds the request in market data and your experience, and keeps the relationship intact. Most people either accept without negotiating or negotiate badly — this prompt produces the message that gets a counter.

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How to use it

Fill in the specifics. The target number matters — don't ask for a range, ask for a number. Ranges signal that you'll accept the bottom. A single specific number signals that you've done the math.

The email should go out within 24 hours of receiving the written offer. Waiting longer signals uncertainty.

Example output

"Thank you for the written offer for the [Role] position — I'm genuinely excited about this opportunity and the team.

After reviewing the full package, I'd like to discuss the base salary. Based on my research into market rates for this role in [city] and my [X] years of experience in [specific area], I'm targeting $[X]. I believe this reflects the value I'd bring from day one.

I'm confident this is the right role and I'm ready to move quickly once we align on compensation. Is there flexibility to get to $[X]?"

Variations

Competing offer leverage: Add "I have a competing offer at $X. I'd prefer this role, but I need the packages to be comparable to move forward."

Negotiating equity instead of base: Add "I'm flexible on base. What I'd like to discuss is the equity component — specifically [vesting schedule / number of options / strike price]."

Counter-negotiating a counter: Add "They countered with $X, which is closer but still below my target of $Y. Write a final response that accepts with dignity if they're firm, or asks for one more push."

Total compensation (not just base): Add "Include a paragraph about the full package — I'd also like to discuss [signing bonus / extra PTO / remote flexibility / title]."

Common pitfalls

Apologizing for asking. "I'm sorry to push back, but..." is a negotiation killer. You're not doing anything wrong by asking for market rate.

Asking for a range. "Somewhere between $90K and $105K" tells the employer to offer $90K. Ask for $105K.

Going silent after the ask. The email should close with a clear next step — a direct question invites a response.

Waiting too long. Most offer windows are 48–72 hours. Negotiate quickly or you've missed it.

Who uses this prompt

Anyone who has just received a job offer and wants to negotiate. Early-career candidates who've never negotiated before and aren't sure what's normal. Experienced professionals re-entering the job market who need to refresh their approach. Hiring managers and recruiters who want to understand what good candidate negotiation looks like.