What to Say When Negotiating a Salary Offer
Getting a job offer is exciting, but the number on paper isn't always final. A short, confident message can open the door to a better deal without any awkwardness.
Use these when
- You received an offer below expectations
- You want to negotiate before accepting
- Comparing offers between companies
- Countering after research on market rate
Skip these if
- Don't accept immediately out of excitement
- Don't apologize for asking for more
- Don't give an ultimatum unless you mean it
15 replies to choose from
Thank you for the offer — I'm excited about the role. Based on my experience and market research, I was hoping we could discuss a base closer to [amount].
Classic, confident counter.
I'm really excited about this opportunity. Given my background, I'd like to see if we can get to [amount].
Direct and self-assured.
I appreciate the offer and I'm looking forward to joining — would there be any flexibility on the base salary?
Softer opener for a counter.
So excited about this! Before I sign, is there room to talk through the compensation a bit more?
Warm tone while still negotiating.
Loving the offer overall, just want to see if we can nudge the salary up a bit before I say yes.
Relaxed but clear.
Is there flexibility on the base salary before I accept?
Quick, gets straight to the ask.
I'd love to accept, but I was hoping for something closer to [amount] given the scope of the role.
Ties the ask directly to responsibilities.
Given the offers I'm weighing, I need this to be closer to [amount] to move forward.
Strong when you have competing offers.
I hate to negotiate, but I wanted to see if there's any room to move on the number.
Softer approach for those uneasy negotiating.
Thank you again for the offer — could we set up a quick call to talk through the compensation package?
Moves negotiation to a call, often more effective.
I promise I'm easy to work with, just a little less easy on salary — any room to move on the number?
Light way to break tension.
If the base can move to [amount], I'm ready to accept right away.
Clear condition for acceptance.
I'm confident I'll bring strong value here, and I'd like the offer to reflect that at [amount].
Value-based negotiation.
Before accepting, can we revisit the number?
Minimal but effective.
Really appreciate the offer — is there flexibility on salary, bonus, or start date I should know about?
Opens negotiation on multiple fronts.
Make it fit your exact message
Common questions
- How do I counter a salary offer without sounding greedy?
- Frame it around market research and the value you bring, not just wanting more money.
- Should I give a specific number when countering?
- Yes — a clear number or range is easier to respond to than a vague ask.
- What if they say the offer is final?
- Ask if there's flexibility elsewhere, like signing bonus, PTO, or remote days.
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