Receiving a job offer is exciting. However, before you write a job acceptance letter, you need to make sure that you’re being fairly compensated for the work you’re about to undertake.
That’s where a counter offer letter comes in.
Read on to learn more about what a counter offer letter is, when you should write one, and how to use it to convince employers of your value as a professional.
What is a counter offer letter?
A counter offer letter is a physical letter or email candidates send to an employer when they want to negotiate the terms of a job offer given to them.
The purpose of a counter offer letter is to signal that you’re seriously considering accepting the job, but want to adjust the compensation package before formally accepting.
When you should send a counter offer letter
Consider writing a counter offer letter in these situations:
- You have unique skills, qualifications, or expertise that you believe warrant a higher salary
- The compensation you’ve been offered is below the normal salary range for your position and location
- You have competing job offers and want to negotiate to secure a better compensation package
- You want to negotiate benefits other than your base salary, such as bonuses, equity, vacation days, or flexible work arrangements
Counter offer email template
Use this counter offer template to write your letter:
What to include in a counter offer letter
Include these details in your counter offer letter to improve your chances of receiving a positive response:
1. A professional salutation
All correspondence with hiring managers and potential employers should start off with a professional salutation, including your counter offer letter.
Avoid dated phrases like “Dear Sir or Madam”, or “To Whom It May Concern”. At this point you should know the hiring manager’s name, so use that in your salutation.
Example
“Dear Ms. Kovalenko”
2. A gracious introduction
Keep your counter offer letter brief and professional and express gratitude for the opportunity.
Instead of starting off your counter offer letter by immediately outlining the terms of your counter offer, begin the letter by expressing your appreciation for the job offer and the opportunity extended to you.
Example
“I hope you’ve been well. I’m very grateful for the job offer extended to me for the position of Video Editor at Motion Recruitment and excited about the opportunity to join your team.”
3. Your counter offer
Clearly state the terms you would like to negotiate.
Be specific about your desired changes and provide a persuasive justification for your counter offer. Use market research, industry standards, or your qualifications to support your request.
Example
“I appreciate the initial offer, however, given my extensive experience with backend development and database management, I believe an adjustment to the base salary would be appropriate. I would like to propose a counter offer of $95,000, which falls within the average salary range for this position in Virginia.”
Here’s how you can justify your counter offer using the STAR method:
@resumegenius How to justify a higher salary using the star method ? #starmethod #starmethodtips #interviewtips #salarynegotiation #salarynegotiationtips ♬ original sound – Resume Genius | Career Tips
4. A concluding paragraph
In your final paragraph, thank the hiring manager for the opportunity and for their time.
Mention that you’re willing to discuss the matter further to reach an agreement that suits both parties, and express that you’re serious about the job.
Example
“I would like to thank you again for your time and for this opportunity. I’m open to discussing alternatives, please let me know if there’s a suitable time for us to have a chat.”
Counter offer letter examples
The way you approach a counter offer letter depends largely on what terms you want to negotiate. Here are three sample counter offer letters for three different situations:
Counter offer letter requesting additional compensation
This candidate uses a polite and confident tone to request the salary they think they deserve and back up their request with achievements that show the value they’ll bring to the organization.
Additional compensation counter offer letter example (text format)
Dear Ms. Simmons,
I hope you’ve been well. I’m very grateful for the job offer extended to me for the position of Event Coordinator at SWM and excited about the opportunity to join your team.
After looking over the overall compensation package, I would like to discuss the possibility of a revised offer. I’m enthusiastic about this position and believe that a slight adjustment to the base salary would better reflect the value I can bring to the role.
Considering I’ve consistently maintained a customer satisfaction rate of 95+% and I have extensive experience coordinating large events of 500+ participants, I’m confident that a salary of $45,000 is commensurate with my qualifications. This falls within the average event coordinator salary range in Oregon.
Let me know what you think of this suggestion, and let me know if I can provide any additional information that will help you make a decision. Thank you for your consideration.
Best,
Mia Collins
Counter offer letter requesting additional benefits
When requesting accommodations or additional benefits, it’s important to restate your enthusiasm for the role so hiring managers are more willing to work with you.
Additional benefits counter offer letter example (text format)
Dear Mr. Ramirez,
I was thrilled to receive the job offer for the Software Engineer position at Prism. I’m confident that my technical expertise and problem solving skills will greatly contribute to the company’s innovative projects. In fact, I already have some ideas for the new financial portfolio management system you’re planning to develop.
After careful consideration, I would like to discuss certain aspects of the compensation package. I recently became a foster parent, and flexible working hours or remote work options would help me accommodate the needs of my growing family while staying focused and productive at work.
I’m excited about the work being done at Prism and would love to be a part of it. Regarding the compensation package, I look forward to your response and am open to discussing alternatives. Thank you for your understanding and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Hayes
Counter offer letter requesting relocation assistance
This candidate requests a relocation allowance by emphasizing how a smooth transition will benefit the company.
Relocation assistance counter offer letter example (text format)
Dear Ms. Thompson,
Thank you for offering me the job of Senior Credit Analyst at Sunstone. From what you told me during the interview it seems like you’ve got an excellent team, and I’m confident my expertise in identifying credit risks and implementing effective mitigation strategies will make me a great addition to it.
I’m writing to discuss the details of the compensation package offered. Given the significant transition involved in relocating to Boston, I would like to request a relocation allowance to help offset the expenses associated with moving. It would allow me to focus on quickly integrating into the team and delivering optimal results without undue financial stress.
Again, I very much appreciate the offer and look forward to joining the team. Thank you for your time, and please let me know your thoughts. I’m sure we’ll be able to come to an agreement that suits both of us.
Best wishes,
Alexander Mitchell
How to counter a salary offer via email
Follow these steps to write a compelling counter offer email:
1. Do your research
Just like you would if you were including salary requirements in a cover letter, before you start writing your counter offer letter, do some research to find out what the average salary is for someone in your target position.
Research provides evidence to support your counter offer and demonstrate that your request is reasonable. Keep in mind that salaries vary between states, so research the average salary range where you live. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is a good place to start.
2. Clearly justify your counter offer
Unless you justify why you deserve a higher salary or a more comprehensive benefits package, your counter offer is likely to get rejected.
Clearly articulate the reasons behind your counter offer to improve your chances of convincing the employer to agree to your terms. Some qualifications you can highlight are:
- Certifications
- Industry expertise
- Skills
- Accomplishments
3. Be respectful
Maintain a respectful and professional tone throughout your counter offer letter.
Avoid using confrontational or demanding language. Instead, focus on presenting your case in a polite and constructive manner. This helps foster a positive atmosphere for negotiation.
4. Be open to negotiation
Demonstrate your willingness to engage in a constructive dialogue and find a mutually agreeable solution. Say that you’re open to discussing alternatives and encourage the hiring manager to reach out to you to discuss the matter further.
Emphasizing that your goal is to reach a fair and satisfactory outcome that recognizes your value and aligns with the employer’s objectives is more likely to get you what you want.
Frequently asked questions about counter offer letters
Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive about counter offer letters:
How do you ask for a counter offer politely?
To ask for a counter offer politely, start by expressing your gratitude for the job offer and your enthusiasm about the opportunity. Then, explain your reasons for seeking a counter offer, emphasizing your qualifications and what you can bring to the organization.
How do you send a counter offer email?
To send a counter offer email, address it to the person who first extended the job offer to you. Write a clear subject line and keep your counter offer letter brief, focusing on the terms of your counter offer and why they should consider it.
How do you accept a counter offer via email?
When accepting a counter offer via email, show your appreciation for the employer’s willingness to negotiate the terms of the job offer. Confirm your acceptance of the counter offer, reiterate your commitment to the company, and express your eagerness to contribute to its success.
How should you word a counter offer letter?
When you draft a counter offer letter, always keep a professional tone. Don’t make any demands — instead, make requests. Employers are more likely to consider your counter offer if you’re being respectful.
How do you handle a low job offer?
If a job offer is significantly lower than you expected, you can ask the employer to improve the offer before you provide a counter-number. This strategy is particularly effective when the initial offer is below the market rate for your skills or doesn’t reflect your professional value.
Respond professionally by expressing your interest in the role but noting that the compensation package falls short of your expectations. Ask the recruiter if there is any flexibility to improve the offer before you provide a formal counter-proposal. This approach ensures you don’t ask for less than they’re actually willing to pay.
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