Requesting a better offer is common in hiring if done politely with a clear reason. Enter the offer, your desired figure and rationale, then choose 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 thrilled 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 thrilled 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 eager to join, and I would like to suggest one change before I accept.
The offer is [Pay offered], while I had hoped for [Pay you are asking for]. [Your reasons]
I understand there may be a fixed budget for this role at this time. Could we agree on a salary review after six months, with a potential revision to [Pay you are asking for] if I meet the objectives we set for that period? If so, I would be glad to accept the current offer.
Could the review and its conditions be included in the offer letter, or confirmed in writing, so 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 amount. If you provide a range, expect the lower end.
Before choosing an amount, review salaries for similar roles from job listings and industry contacts.
Support your amount with your skills, experience, achievements, and the role's needs. Personal expenses aren't something an employer can address.
Make sure to compare fixed pay with fixed pay, and the total package with the total package.
Decide in advance what you'll do if the answer is no: take the original offer, request something else, or decline.
After an agreement, request the updated offer letter, and only accept or resign once it's in writing.
Crafting Your Salary Request Email
When a job offer comes your way, you may wish to ask for a better offer. Use our Salary Negotiation Email Format tool to do this. Start by filling in the offer details and the salary figure you aim for. Include your reasons politely. Choose how you'd like to approach the request.
After writing your salary request email, continue searching for IT or Technology jobs on Careerwood Jobs. If your offer adjusts, use the tool again if needed. Keep applying to suitable roles in areas like Bengaluru and Mumbai. A new opportunity might be just a search away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you negotiate salary after receiving an offer?
Yes. It is a normal step in hiring to ask once, politely, with a clear reason. Usually, the worst outcome is the employer stating the offer is final.
How much more pay should I request?
Base your number on what similar roles pay, what you currently earn, and what you bring to the table, not a set percentage. Choose a single figure you can explain in a sentence or two.
Is it better to negotiate salary through email or a phone call?
Both options are fine. Email allows you to carefully choose your words and provides a written record. If you reach an agreement over the phone, follow up with an email confirmation.
What should I do if the company says their offer is final?
Think about whether the initial offer suits you. You can inquire about a joining bonus, an early salary review, or other terms, but don't mention an offer you don't have.