Counter offer email template (with five samples)

A good counter offer email is short: thank them, say you are keen, name one specific number or item, give one reason, and ask a question. Keep it under 150 words. Below is a counter offer email template in five versions you can copy and adjust, plus what to check before you press send.

Before you send

• Confirm you have the offer in writing, including bonus, equity and benefits.
• Have your number and your reason ready. If you need help choosing them, read how to negotiate salary.
• Send on a weekday morning in the employer's time zone. Do not send at midnight.
• Address the person who sent the offer. Copy no one else unless they did.
• Replace everything in [square brackets].

Template 1: Ask for higher base pay

Subject: Offer for [Job title]: a question about base salary

Hi [Name],

Thank you for the offer. I am excited about joining [Company] and working on [specific project or team goal].

After reviewing the role's scope and the pay for similar positions in [city or remote market], I would like to ask whether the base salary can be $[amount]. At [previous employer] I [one specific result, for example "cut month-end reporting from five days to two"], and I expect to bring the same focus here.

Is there flexibility to move closer to that figure? I am happy to talk by phone if that is easier.

Thank you, [Your name]

Why it works: One number, one reason, one question. It signals enthusiasm and invites a conversation.

Template 2: Base is fixed, ask for a signing bonus

Subject: [Job title] offer: one request

Hi [Name],

Thank you for explaining the salary band. I understand the base is set. I would still like to accept this role, and I would like to ask whether a one-time signing bonus of $[amount] is possible. It would help offset the [unvested bonus / relocation cost / paid time off] I give up by leaving [current employer].

If that is not possible, could we agree to a pay review at six months?

Thank you, [Your name]

Tip: Name the specific cost you are covering. A signing bonus is easier to approve when it has a clear reason.

Template 3: Ask for remote or hybrid terms in writing

Subject: [Job title] offer: working arrangement

Hi [Name],

Thank you for the offer. We talked about working [three] days a week from home. Could the offer letter state that arrangement, along with how it can change in future? Having it in writing lets me sign with confidence.

Thank you, [Your name]

Template 4: Ask for more time

Subject: Re: Offer for [Job title]

Hi [Name],

Thank you very much for the offer. I want to give it proper attention. Would it be possible to reply by [day, date]? I will send my answer as soon as I can before then.

Best, [Your name]

Tip: Ask for a specific date, not "a few days". Two to five working days is a common request, though employers decide.

Template 5: Accept after negotiating

Subject: Accepting the [Job title] offer

Hi [Name],

Thank you for working with me on this. I am pleased to accept the position of [Job title] at a base salary of $[amount], with [signing bonus / review date / remote days], as discussed on [date]. Could you send the updated offer letter for signature? My start date will be [date].

I look forward to joining the team.

Best, [Your name]

Do not resign from your current role until you hold the signed letter. Then use our resignation letter template.

What to leave out

How to adjust the tone

• Big company, formal recruiter: use the full sample and keep it brief.
• Startup, founder to founder: shorter, warmer, add a line about the equity details you want to understand.
• You are already in a call-based process: send the email as a follow-up so there is a written record.

What to do after they reply

If they agree, ask for the revised letter. If they offer part of what you asked, decide against your floor from the planning step. If they say no, you can ask what would justify a change in six months, and decide whether the role is still right for you. If you are applying through LiveRec, see accept, decline or counter an offer for how the product handles replies.

Frequently asked questions

Is it better to counter by email or phone? Either. Email gives you time to choose words and leaves a record. Many people send the email, then follow with a call.

How long should I wait before countering? Reply within a day to say thanks, and counter within the deadline you were given, or ask for one.

Can I counter more than once? One clear counter is the norm. A second round is fine if the first moved terms, but do not keep reopening.

What if the offer has no salary range? Ask for the range for the role, then research with government wage data and peers. See salary expectations answers.

Related guides

• Job Offer Acceptance Email Template (3 Samples)

Sources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed Oct 30, 2026)

This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.