Salary Negotiation Email Templates 2026 (Copy/Paste Examples)

Subject: Re: Offer for [Role] — quick discussion

Hi [Recruiter Name],

Thank you again for the offer for the [Role] position—I'm excited about the team and the [specific project].

After reviewing the offer alongside market data for [Role] in [Location], I'd like to ask if there's room to bring the base to $[Counter Number]. This better reflects both the market range I'm seeing for similar roles and the impact I plan to bring (e.g., [1 specific outcome from your background]).

I'm fully ready to move forward at that number. Happy to jump on a quick call if helpful.

Best,
[Your Name]

Subject: Re: [Role] offer — update on my decision

Hi [Recruiter Name],

I wanted to be transparent. I received another offer for a [similar/different role] at [Company B] at $[X] base + $[Y] equity. [Your Company] is genuinely my first choice because of [1 specific reason].

If you can match the base at $[X], I'll close my other offer this week and accept here. I'd love to make this work.

Thanks for considering it,
[Your Name]

Subject: Re: Offer for [Role] — one ask

Hi [Recruiter Name],

Thank you for the offer—I'm very excited about it. I understand the base is at the top of the band, so I'd like to ask about the signing bonus.

Leaving my current role means walking away from $[X] in unvested bonus/equity. A signing bonus of $[Y] would help bridge that and let me start with full focus.

Happy to discuss,
[Your Name]

Subject: Re: Offer — equity question

Hi [Recruiter Name],

Quick question on equity. The grant of [$X / X RSUs] is below what I've seen for [Level] at comparable companies (e.g., [data source]). Would it be possible to increase the initial grant to [$Y / Y RSUs], or add a refresh schedule starting in year 2?

Thanks for considering,
[Your Name]

Subject: Re: Offer — quick non-comp ask

Hi [Recruiter Name],

Excited about the offer. If we can land on the base, I'd also love to ask about [PTO / remote schedule / start date]:

• PTO: would it be possible to bring the standard 15 days to 20 to match my current role?
• Remote: I'd love to confirm the [3-day in-office] arrangement we discussed.

Let me know what's possible. Happy to confirm everything once we align.

Thanks,
[Your Name]

Subject: Re: Offer — level discussion

Hi [Recruiter Name],

Thank you for the offer. Based on the scope we discussed (e.g., owning [function], managing [team], driving [key outcome]), I'd like to ask whether [Senior Level] is the right level vs. [Current Level].

I understand level decisions can take a few days. I'd appreciate any clarity by [Date] so we can finalize together.

Best,
[Your Name]

Subject: Accepting the [Role] offer

Hi [Recruiter Name],

Thank you for working with me on this. I'm thrilled to accept the offer for [Role] at [Company]. Confirming the key terms:

• Base: $[X]
• Bonus target: [Y%]
• Equity: [$X / X RSUs] over [Z] years
• Signing bonus: $[X]
• PTO: [X] days
• Start date: [Date]

Could you send the updated offer letter reflecting these terms? Excited to get started.

Best,
[Your Name]