Dissatisfied with your starting salary? Don't settle for less!
Here are our tips for negotiating higher salaries:
How to write a salary negotiation email
The cost of living crisis means many of us are struggling to make ends meet on our wages. The solution? Salary increase negotiation.
Salary negotiation emails are not easy to write, but they are essential if you want to increase your income (and who doesn't?). Typically, you'll negotiate your salary when you take a new job, but you can also try to get a raise if you get an internal promotion.
If you're wondering how to negotiate a salary, let's break the process down into steps that are easy for you. We explain how to create a salary negotiation email and how to make the best case for a salary increase.
To illustrate the principles, we provide 8 salary negotiation email templates. The next time you negotiate your salary via email, you'll earn more by following our tips!
If you need help, the fastest way to find professional tone, grammar and formatting is to use Flowwrite:
Why are you negotiating your salary?
Many jobs today have no advertised salary. Instead, they say something like "Tell us your salary requirements."
In other cases, they return two numbers: a lower number and a higher number. This means that the salary is negotiable and you have leeway.
In most cases, if the company makes an offer, it will try to pay as little as possible. There is nothing wrong in it; After all, you are a business. You should know that in most cases there is some flexibility in the starting salary. But you have to fight to get a raise.
Some find salary negotiations difficult. They fear the company may withdraw the offer. But you have to put that aside. In most cases, salary negotiations are part of the deal.
As long as you are polite and professional with everyone, you should be fine. If you're rude or unreasonable, that's a different story.
The bottom line is that you can and should try to negotiate your salary if you think you should earn more.
Salary negotiations by email or by phone?
The first question is: Is it possible to negotiate the salary by email? Of course he can! So many of us are now working so flexibly that we may never be able to meet and talk with our bosses in person.
Email is a great way to negotiate a raise because it allows you to present a complete case. You can highlight why you deserve a raise (outstanding performance, significant achievement, another job offer, etc.).
Some guides suggest asking for a raise in person, but we disagree. First, you may not meet your new manager in person.
Second, sending an email allows you to make your case for a higher salary, provide proof, and justify it.
Finally, email allows you and your manager to save face when the answer is no.
Will an email be sent to your work? Probably not. You probably need to talk to your manager, your HR team, or your manager to get approval for a raise, but that's okay. Email is the beginning of the process.
How to send an email asking if the salary is negotiable
Salary negotiation emails must strike a delicate balance. The truth is, no boss or company wants to overpay you unless they have to. So your business email must carry some risk. What is the danger? It's a subtle (and in some cases not so subtle) hint about the consequences of not getting a raise.
Let's illustrate this with an example. Compare the two:
- Can we talk about my starting salary?
- They offered me another job. Can we talk about my starting salary?
What do you think will get the best response?
Well, maybe they didn't offer you another job. But there are several other ways to approach the subject of your salary:
- I have found others in the industry who earn more than me. Can we talk about my salary?
- I just closed a HUGE deal for us. Can we find time to discuss my salary?
- I am highly qualified and can deliver from day one. Can we talk about my starting salary?
When should you send a salary negotiation email?
Salary negotiation emails are typically sent when you receive a job offer (or accept a promotion). Usually, your employer provides you with a contract and a salary. You must negotiate salary before signing a contract or accepting a job.
Because once you sign a contract, you agree to terms and conditions that can make salary negotiation impossible (and unethical).
The key here is to create messages that represent your case and that are positive, but not rude or pushy. We illustrate this approach below, but you can see the difference between these two approaches:
- I received your job offer. Before signing, we have to discuss the starting salary.
- I was very happy to receive your job offer and I hope to be part of a great company. However, I have some questions about the offer and would like to discuss the starting salary.
Of course, the second one is longer and less direct, but think about which one you prefer and which one is likely to produce the best results.
Email format for salary negotiations
We're almost ready to dive into some of the salary negotiation examples, but before we do, here's how to format your messages. The salary negotiation email format is relatively simple; There's a subject line, a body, and an unsubscribe.
However, you must be sensible when negotiating salary. Be too weak and you'll get a firm (but polite) no. Be too intrusive and you risk irritating the recipient. Here are some tips to find the right balance.
1. Salary Negotiation Email Subject Line
First, wondering if you need to create a subject line? Then, when you reply to an email with a job offer, you can reply directly to that email.
However, in many cases, you'll need to message the hiring manager or your boss and choose a subject line. Some guides advise you to use your name and add something about salary negotiations. Sure, you could walk in and tell them it's a salary negotiation email, but it's probably best to be a little less direct. Here are some sample salary negotiation email subject lines:
- Can we talk about starting salary?
- Starting salary: can we talk?
- Thanks for the offer. We have to talk about salary.
3. Content of the salary negotiation email
This is where you need to get a little creative and dig into the details. Start with a compliment first, and then get right to the point of your message.
- I am very happy with your job offer. Before I accept the position, I would like to discuss the starting salary.
The purpose of this email is to explain why you are negotiating a salary (you are earning more, you have been offered a job elsewhere, you have extensive experience, etc.). But you also have to remember that it's about starting a conversation, so don't give it up. Here's an example:
- I checked your suggested starting salary and it doesn't match similar positions I've seen advertised elsewhere. I have a lot of experience and I think my starting salary should reflect that.
Do you see how it works? They're not just asking for more; You justify your requests with a reason (or reasons).
3. How to close a salary negotiation email
As we already explained, it is unlikely that your new boss or the HR team will simply increase your salary after receiving your message. Instead, you probably need a meeting or a call, so take responsibility and push for it. Here are some examples of how to close a salary negotiation email:
- Can we make an appointment to meet with me or discuss my request?
- I am free to discuss it on (date/time). you can do it
Sign with a thank you and your name and contact information.
8 Examples of Salary Negotiation Emails
Here we implement our expert advice with 8 salary negotiation templates that you can use. In addition, we provide negotiation examples of some of the most common reasons you need to ask for more money, how to manage the counter-negotiation process, how to ask for a raise after a promotion, and much more.
1. Sample Salary Negotiation Email After Job Posting
Before you take a job, you need to make sure you're getting the salary you deserve. This sample message can be used to negotiate your salary after receiving a job offer.
Of course, you want to make sure your message is positive and indicates that you'll take the job (if you want it), but that salary is a sock to beat. How to negotiate your starting salary after a job offer.
Hello (recipient's name),
I am very happy with your job offer. However, before moving up in weight, I wanted to talk about the starting salary.
I looked at the starting salaries for similar roles, which are much higher. I have also worked at this level for several years with significant transferable experience.
Please let me know if you can discuss my starting salary and if there is room for negotiation. You can contact me at (insert details)
I'm sure we can find a starting salary we like.
With the best wishes,
(Your name)
2. Sample Counter Offer Salary Negotiation Email
If your employer comes back with an offer, you have two options: keep it or ask for more. In this example of a counter-offer salary negotiation, we are bullish on the offer but push a little harder. The worst they can do is say no!
Hello (recipient's name),
Thank you for your latest email and salary offer. While I'm glad the starting salary has increased, it still doesn't match my current salary. Can you please reconsider your suggestion?
I can provide examples of similar high-paying positions and provide evidence of my experience if you wish.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Gracias,
(Your name)
3. Sample Salary Negotiation Follow-Up Email
Sometimes it may take a while for your employer to respond to your salary negotiation email. If so, you can use this sample salary negotiation email to encourage them to take action.
Hello (recipient's name),
My name is (your name) and I was recently offered the position of (position).
I recently sent an email explaining that we need to negotiate my starting salary before accepting.
Please confirm you received this email and when can I expect a response?
You can contact me at (insert details) if you need to talk about anything.
are,
(Your name)
4. Email HR for a Salary Negotiation Sample
In many organizations, it is not the hiring manager who is responsible for salary negotiations, but the human resources team. He's less likely to insult a member of the HR team, so he can cut right to the chase and demand a raise. This is an effective email for a company's HR team to negotiate your starting salary.
Hello (recipient's name),
I recently received an offer for the position of (position).
I'm happy to accept that, but I'd like to discuss the starting salary with you. Unfortunately, the starting salary is too low because (insert reasons).
Is there a way to negotiate the starting salary and how do we design this process?
I really want to take the job, but I need to make sure it's on acceptable terms.
Carefully,
(Your name)
5. Promotion Salary Negotiation Email Template
Congratulations on your promotion; Now let's make sure you get the pay you deserve. You need a good reason to ask for a raise, so include the details. Fortunately, you'll be texting someone you already know to make it a little less formal.
Hello (recipient's name),
Thank you for offering me a promotion to the position of (position). I'd be happy to accept, but I'd like to discuss my starting salary before doing so.
I've reviewed similar roles externally and the starting salaries are much higher. Please let me know if there is room for negotiation and how we start this process.
Gracias,
(Your name)
6. Reply to email with salary negotiation templates
Sometimes you may need a little time to think about a salary offer. If that's the case, this simple answer to a salary negotiation example will give you a little more time to decide what's best for you and your career.
Hello (recipient's name),
Thank you for your recent email with your starting salary details. I can confirm that I received it.
I need a few days to consider my options. I will then email you on (insert date) with my decision.
Thank you for your patience.
Yours sincerely,
(Your name)
6.1. Salary Negotiation Email Sample Job Offer Acceptance Email
If you've been offered a decent salary, it's time to do the right thing and take it! Here is our example of a job offer after salary negotiation.
Hello (recipient's name),
Thank you for your recent email detailing the starting salary increase for the position (position) I would like to accept!
Please send me a copy of the contract so that I can sign it and send it to you.
I look forward to working with you. Please don't hesitate to ask me if you have any questions or need anything else from me.
thank you so much
(Your name)
6.2. How to Respond to a Rejected Salary Negotiation Email Example
Sometimes an employer cannot accommodate your needs and if you decide to leave, you must do so in a professional manner. This is how you react to a salary negotiation that you reject. Our advice is never to close the door, as your potential employer may increase your offer.
Hello (recipient's name),
Thank you for your email with the details of the salary increase. Unfortunately, at this point, it's not tall enough to accept.
Please understand my position. I would still be interested in the position if you could reconsider the starting salary. For the avoidance of doubt, my preferred starting salary is (insert details).
Please let me know if you are willing to discuss this. If not, I wish you the best of luck in your hiring process.
Thank you so much,
(Your name)
7. Example of salary negotiation with current employer
In some situations, eg. B. If you are offered a job elsewhere, you can ask for a raise. Of course, you won't get anything without being asked, and if you need to ask, use our salary negotiation template with your current employer!
Hello (recipient's name),
I am contacting you to request a meeting (or phone call) to discuss my current salary. I've been researching similar positions (or seen job postings, have colleagues who make more money, have another job offer, etc.) and would like to discuss my options.
Please let me know a suitable date/time to discuss this.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks in advance,
(Your name)
8. Sample Salary Negotiation Email for Beginners
Only executives conduct salary negotiations, right? Incorrect! Anyone can ask to cash their paycheck, but most don't have the confidence to do so. Here is a sample salary negotiation email for beginners.
Hello (recipient's name),
Thank you for offering me the position of (job position). I'm happy to accept that, but I wanted to ask if we could discuss starting salary.
I believe that the starting salary does not reflect my (skills, experience, market conditions, other comparable roles, etc.)
I would be more than happy to meet and discuss this or make a call to find a solution that works for all of us.
Please let me know when it's free.
Yours sincerely,
(Your name)
Salary Negotiation Email Template
Didn't find what you were looking for in our salary negotiation email examples? Here's a salary negotiation email template that you can customize and use to fit your specific circumstances. Don't forget to fill in the blanks for each section in this salary negotiation email template!
Hello (recipient's name),
Thank you for your job offer (insert details). Before accepting I would like to talk about the salary.
I believe that the current salary offer does not reflect my own (skills, experience, seniority, achievements, etc.).
Please let me know what the process is like. I think we can agree on a starting salary we're both happy with.
I can be reached at (insert contact details and date and time).
With the best wishes,
(Your name)
Flowwrite Salary Negotiation Email Template
There is no 100% right or wrong approach to asking for a raise or promotion, but having an effective email template, grammar, and email format will help.
This is where Flowwrite comes in.Smart templates powered by Flowwrite AIcan help you create better emails, ensure top-notch grammar, and get formatting right,every email.
Our tool uses artificial intelligence to turn your words into ready-to-send emails like this:
Final word on salary negotiations
This article is not a salary negotiation guide, but it will show you how to start the salary negotiation process.
A firm but fair salary negotiation email to a recruiter, HR department, or boss is the right way to start the journey to a bigger salary package. (If you're looking for tips on negotiating salary offers, you can find them atHarvard Business ReviewIt's a good start.)
We've focused on the basic components of effective salary emails, but you need confidence to create and send them. Never be afraid to ask for more when you deserve it. If you follow our tips on how to create professional emails, the worst case scenario is that you may say no, and the best case scenario is yes!