How to write a counter offer email that works

The counter offer email is where a lot of good negotiations quietly die. People either fire off a one-line demand that reads as cold or bury a reasonable ask under three paragraphs of justification that read as anxious. The fix is structure. A counter offer email has a shape, and once you know it the words come easily.

The four movements

A counter offer email moves through four short beats. Each is one or two sentences, and the whole thing stays under about 150 words so it gets read in one glance and answered fast.

Notice the number sits in the middle, wrapped in warmth on both sides. That placement matters: opening cold with the ask reads as a demand and ending on it leaves a hard note. Surrounding it with gratitude and an invitation keeps the whole message collaborative.

Stay flexible on the how

The single most useful phrase in a counter offer email is some version of "I'm flexible on how we get there." It tells the employer you are solving a problem with them rather than issuing a deadline. If base will not move they can reach for a signing bonus or an early review, and you have left that door open. Naming only one rigid demand closes those doors before the conversation starts. The levers worth offering as alternatives are covered in how to negotiate a job offer.

A template you can adapt

Here is the shape in full: "Hi [Name], thank you again for the offer—I'm genuinely excited about the team and the work. Before I sign, I'd like to discuss the compensation. Based on the scope of the role and my experience, I was hoping we could get the base to [target]. I'm flexible on how we get there, whether through base, a signing bonus or an early review. I'm confident we can find something that works for both of us—could we find time to talk this week? Best, [Your name]."

Adapt the specifics, keep the structure. If you would rather not start from a blank message, the Negotiation Script Builder writes a complete counter email from your actual offer and goals, alongside the spoken script and pushback responses. Anchor the number first with Salary Benchmarking and for the spoken phrasing see salary negotiation scripts.

Frequently asked questions

Email or phone?
A call carries tone and is harder to refuse, but email documents the numbers. Many people negotiate on a call then confirm the figures in a short email.

How long should it be?
Under 150 words across four beats—thanks, enthusiasm, the ask with a reason then an invitation. Tight emails get fast replies.

Bottom line

A counter offer email that works is short and structured: thank them, confirm your enthusiasm, name the number with a reason then invite a conversation while staying flexible on the how. Build yours in minutes with the Negotiation Script Builder and back the figure with Salary Benchmarking.