In the current job climate, landing a new offer is a huge achievement. Whether it’s your dream role or just a step on your career journey, it can be tempting to immediately say ‘yes’ without first reviewing if the salary works for you. Too often candidates fear that the job offer could be withdrawn if they try and negotiate. But this isn’t backed up by data. Instead, The Economist cites a 2025 survey of American jobseekers which found that 37% of candidates had asked for more money, and that 80% of them had got more than their initial offer. Not only are you proving yourself to have the skills of a confident negotiator (something many employers look for), but the odds of receiving a better salary offer are firmly in your favor.
Harvard Business Review explains why negotiating at this point is crucial: “Your starting salary calibrates all your future raises and bonuses — meaning if you don’t negotiate that first offer, the impacts are going to be long term.” Securing an equitable salary that you’re happy with is an important aspect of advancing your career.
In this guide you’ll find the core principles for successful salary negotiation, how to write the perfect negotiation email, templates to help craft your own email (complete with customization tips) and the common salary negotiation mistakes to avoid.
The core principles of successful salary negotiation
Conversations about money can make us all uncomfortable. If the thought of negotiating makes you want to run for the door, follow these core principles to land your desired salary while keeping your professional reputation completely intact.
Start with research
While it can feel more straightforward to make your current (or previous) salary your reference point, it may not be an appropriate benchmark for the new job. Moving industries and changing role seniority can all impact the salary you should expect - for better or worse. By starting with research, you’ll be armed with up-to-date knowledge on how much you should be asking for based on your level of experience. Glassdoor’s Know Your Worth tool gives you a personalized estimated market value and tells you what others in your field are being paid.
Define your salary range
Creating an expected salary range suggests that you’ve done your research rather than pulling a number out of thin air. The range doesn’t need to be wide, a $10k bracket is plenty, but this will present you as a well-grounded candidate who’s open to the negotiation process. Glassdoor also recommends having an acceptable lowest amount in mind that you’re willing to consider so that you can negotiate concretely. This may be the lower figure of the salary brand you’ve offered, or it may be another number.
Be confident
Never assume that the answer will be ‘no’. Go into the salary negotiation process confident that you can achieve the outcome you want. Present your request firmly but objectively. Remain professional at all times and never entitled or demanding.
Consider the full package
Look beyond the salary and review all the other benefits on offer. It may have a short commute, be a remote role, or come with a generous bonus plan. Weigh up the value of these benefits to you and your lifestyle and take them into consideration when defining your desired salary.
Prepare for ‘No’
There’s no reason to assume that your request will be met with a brick wall response, but part of your prep needs to include planning for a ‘no’. Ask yourself if you would still accept the salary you’ve been offered or whether you’d need to walk away from the process. If you’re happy to accept the salary, respond graciously and emphasize that you’re excited to accept the position.
Negotiating a salary over email
To seasoned in-person negotiators, using email to negotiate a salary may sound like a foolish move. But email negotiations offer three benefits in the context of a new role:
- Email documents the negotiation process
- Email provides the opportunity to be clear and concise with your ask
- Email helps minimize any real or perceived power imbalances
As Forbes points out in “How to Negotiate Via Email,” using email can level the playing field by reducing power and status differences.
If negotiating over email feels cold, remember that you’re not talking to a stranger. You’ve worked throughout the interview process to build trust and rapport with the hiring manager, and they’ve already decided they want you.
Salary negotiation email template
Once you’ve followed the core principles, it’s time to draft your salary negotiation email. Follow our template below to craft a concise, professional email.
Subject: [Role Title] – Salary Discussion
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you again for offering me the opportunity to join [Company Name] as a [Role Title]. I’m genuinely excited for the opportunity to contribute to [specific company initiative, value, or mission] and to bring my experience in [your key skills/strengths] to the team.
Based on my background in [your specialty/experience area] and the impact I will deliver in this role, I would like to discuss the starting salary. Given my [X years of experience / track record of achieving ___ / unique skills such as ___], as well as current market data for similar positions, I believe a starting salary in the range of $[X] - $[Y] would be a fair.
Please respond with your thoughts on this salary range. I look forward to finalizing a compensation package that works well for both of us.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Salary negotiation email tips
These tips will leave you confident in exactly how to negotiate your salary over email.
Clear subject line
You don’t want your message to get buried in a busy inbox. Make it obvious at a glance that this email will discuss the role salary. State the role title followed by “Salary Discussion”, “Salary Request” or “Compensation”.
Express gratitude and enthusiasm
Open by thanking the hiring manager for the role offer and express your excitement. This doesn’t weaken your negotiation, it helps to frame you as a collaborative candidate who wants to reach a salary solution and get to work as soon as possible.
Reiterate your value
Remind the recipient why they selected you for the role by briefly outlining your background, experience and any specific skills which set you apart. This sets up your request with a positive angle - focusing on the value you will bring to the organization, rather than the compensation you will need to “extract”. Reference that you have reviewed market salary data to benchmark your request. Be clear, direct and factual. Avoid exaggeration and emotional language but never minimize your achievements.
State your desired salary range
This is it, time for the numbers. Demonstrate that you’ve done your research, while bringing a sense of flexibility to the negotiation process with a salary band instead of a single figure.
Invite discussion
Open the negotiation by inviting further discussion to demonstrate that you care about their interests and other considerations that you may not be aware of.
Close politely
Reiterate your desire to find a solution that is mutually beneficial and sign off with your name and contact information.
Read it back to yourself
This is an important step to catch any grammar mistakes or typos which could undermine your salary negotiation email. Forbes also advises that before sending an email you should read it aloud in the most negative tone. Ask yourself if it accurately conveys what you want to say and how you want to say it. If you have any doubts, save it as a draft and review it again a few hours later.
When to send your salary negotiation email
Your email needs to be sent after receiving a formal offer, but before accepting. It’s inappropriate to negotiate on salary before receiving a formal offer. If you’re in the early interview stages, presenting your salary expectations could lead to you being dismissed from the process if the hiring manager perceives your desired salary to be out of budget.
Equally, it’s essential that you hold off formally accepting the role while negotiating because this is the strongest leverage that you have. The company has already invested both time and money into the hiring process, resources that would be wasted if you walk away.
If you’ve been pressured to make a quick decision to accept or decline the role, you can buy yourself time tactfully. You have the right to reflect on the offer, and negotiate, before making your final decision. Clearly state how much time you need, 24 - 48 hours is entirely reasonable. It shows respect for their timeline while preventing a rushed decision. Remain calm and follow the same core principles above before drafting your negotiation email.
Common mistakes to avoid with your salary negotiation email
Writing a salary negotiation email takes care, and there are a few common slip-ups that can weaken an otherwise strong message. A little clarity and structure go a long way. Here’s what to watch out for before you hit send.
- Sounding entitled or demanding: Remain professional throughout all emails and conversations.
- Being vague about salary expectations: “More, please” is not a number. Clearly state the salary you expect.
- Negotiating too early or too late: After a formal offer, but before accepting, is the most successful window for a salary negotiation.
- Threatening to walk away: Unless you mean it, don’t say it. Also consider how it presents you and your approach to collaboration and negotiation.
- Poor grammar and spelling: This will immediately weaken your case and minimize confidence in your attention to detail.
Negotiating beyond salary
The role salary may be fixed and immovable, but the negotiation is far from over. Consider the other benefits that could be open for negotiation and the financial or lifestyle value that they could have for you. This could look like negotiating on:
- Remote working
- College tuition reimbursement
- Support with commuting costs
- Ongoing training subsidies
- Job title
- Working part-time
- Working flexible hours
- A pay review after 6 months
- A personalized office coffee mug
- (or whatever else gets you fired up for a day of work)
Negotiate confidently to secure your worth
Negotiating your salary is a normal and professional part of accepting a new role. By approaching it thoughtfully you can set the tone for the rest of your career. Use our salary negotiation email template to advocate for yourself while keeping the conversation collaborative. Remember, your skills and experience have value, and it’s appropriate to ensure your compensation reflects that. Put the template into action in your next negotiation. Taking this step could make all the difference in securing a package that gets you excited to start your new role.
Salary negotiation FAQs
Is it OK to negotiate my salary after receiving an offer?
Absolutely. Negotiating after a formal offer is standard and expected. Research shows that the majority of candidates who ask for more money will receive an increased offer. Approaching the conversation professionally demonstrates confidence and helps ensure your compensation reflects your value.
Should I negotiate via email or in person?
Email is a highly effective way to negotiate, especially for new roles. It allows you to clearly articulate your request, document the conversation, and reduce power imbalances, making it easier to advocate for yourself while staying professional.
How do I decide the right salary to ask for?
Start with research on your role, industry, and location. Use tools like Glassdoor’s Know Your Worth salary calculator to estimate your market value. Define a reasonable salary range that reflects your experience, skills, and the value you bring to the role.
What if the company pressures me to decide quickly?
You have the right to request time to consider an offer. 24 to 48 hours is entirely reasonable. This ensures you can thoughtfully review the offer, assess the full compensation package, and craft a professional negotiation email without feeling rushed.
What other benefits can I negotiate besides salary?
Even if the salary is fixed, you can negotiate additional perks such as remote work, flexible hours, tuition reimbursement, bonuses, job title, or a pay review after six months. Considering the full package ensures your overall compensation and work-life balance meet your needs.