Requesting a better offer is common in hiring if you do it courteously and explain clearly. Include the offer, the amount you're after and your reasons, then choose your 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
Request a single amount, not a range. If you provide a range, expect the lower end to be considered.
Before deciding on the amount, check what similar roles pay, using job ads that list salaries and input from people in the industry.
Back up the amount with your abilities, experience, and achievements, as well as the job requirements. Personal expenses can't influence the employer.
Compare like for like: base pay with base pay, and total package with total package.
Before sending, decide what you'll do if they decline: accept the initial offer, propose something else, or leave.
After agreeing, request the updated offer letter, and only accept or resign once it's in writing.
Use This Email Before Accepting an Offer
When you receive a job offer, it's common to consider negotiating for a better salary. Use our Salary Negotiation Email Format to draft a polite response. Fill in the job offer details, state your desired figure, and explain your reasons clearly. This tool helps you communicate your value before accepting the offer.
Integrate this step into your job search on IT & Tech Jobs by preparing your negotiation email once you've applied for roles in cities like Bengaluru or Mumbai. This way, you're ready to respond confidently when an offer arrives, ensuring you have all the tools you need during your job search.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you negotiate salary after receiving an offer?
Yes. It's normal to ask once, courteously and with a clear explanation, during hiring. Usually, the worst that can happen is the employer saying the offer won't change.
How much extra should I request?
Consider what similar jobs pay, your current salary, and your unique value, rather than a set percentage. Pick an amount you can justify in one or two sentences.
Should I negotiate salary via email or phone?
Both options are good. Email allows you to carefully craft your message and keeps a record. If an agreement is reached over the phone, confirm it in an email afterwards.
What if the employer insists the offer is final?
Think about whether the initial offer is acceptable for your needs. You can ask about a joining bonus, early salary review, or other terms, but don't claim a competing offer you don't have.