What Is a Counter Offer Letter?
A counter offer letter is a written message to an employer asking for a better job offer. It lets you request a higher salary, more benefits, or an improved job title. It’s an essential tool in the negotiation process and can help you achieve a more desirable arrangement.
You send a counter offer letter when the initial job offer doesn’t meet your salary expectations. This letter shows your continued interest and lets you request better terms before accepting the job. Many employers offer a lower salary in the first proposal because they expect you to negotiate. Our counter offer letter template helps you make your request, ensuring you stand firm in the process.
How to Write a Counter Offer Letter
Writing a counter letter for a job offer can help you get more out of an employment arrangement. Learn how to write an effective counteroffer letter for a job so you can structure your message clearly.
1. Add the Date & Your Information
Add the date you’re writing the letter to set a timeline for the salary negotiation process. This helps both you and the employer keep track of when the conversation started and ensures that the parties respond in a timely manner.
Also, name yourself as the potential employee and put the job title the employer offered you. Include your address, which our counter offer template places in the header of your letter.
2. Input Company Details
To perfect the letter format, provide the company name and address. We’ll also add this information to the header to create a formal letter and add professionalism to your message. Plus, we’ll reference the company name in the letter for clarity.
Use a professional greeting to address the letter to the HR representative or hiring manager who made the offer. This way, it’s obvious who you’re writing to, and this person will likely have the authority to respond to your counter offer.
3. Detail Your Request
Specify what you’re proposing in your letter. Legal Templates’s form lets you choose from one of three requests:
- A more competitive salary
- A new job title
- A more comprehensive benefits package
Whichever one you pick, you have the option to provide further details. For example, if you’re writing a salary negotiation letter, you can list your desired amount. If you’re asking for a new job title, you should name the exact title you want.
As far as benefits go, you can request missing benefits, such as health insurance or paid time off. If the original benefits are present but lackluster, request an improved package.
4. Sign the Letter
Review the contents of your letter and sign to confirm your counter offer. When you sign it, you verify that your request reflects your most current preferences. You also show that you’re committed to moving forward with the negotiation process and reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.
Sending a Counter Offer Letter
Keep a copy for your records and send the letter using a method that lets you track the delivery. Consider using certified mail or an email with a read receipt. You may deliver it in person if it is reasonable for your situation.
How to Counter an Offer Letter
If you want to counter an initial salary offer, you should approach the discussion with preparation and professionalism. Here are some tips to counter an offer letter.
1. Research Before You Respond
Thoroughly research the position you applied for. Know the market and look into the average salary range and benefits that similar positions get. Compare the industry standard along with the cost of living in that area to ensure your compensation package is appropriate.
A well-researched salary negotiation letter can provide facts about why the original proposal was too low. Relying on data rather than personal feelings adds validity to your request and shows your professionalism as a potential employee.
2. Highlight Your Value
Frame your request around the unique skills and experience you offer. Emphasize why you’re a strong fit and how your contributions will benefit the company. Instead of explaining why you want more, go into why you think you deserve more from an objective standpoint.
Make a Strong Case for Yourself
Consider mentioning your work on your previous company’s innovative projects or how you contributed to your former company’s success.
3. Focus on More Than Just Salary
Negotiating salary is important, but there are other things you should consider in an employment contract. Analyze non-salary benefits as well, which you can negotiate in the same way as you would your salary. These include:
- Vacation days
- Other paid leave policies
- Health, vision, and life insurance offerings
- Additional benefits or programs, such as a gym membership
- Work-from-home availability
- Relocation assistance
- Moving expenses and travel benefits
- Retirement plans and matching
4. Be Professional, Clear, & Confident
Use direct, formal language to make your request. Be polite and avoid insinuating that the employer was unfair in the original offer. While you want to remain respectful, be firm in making your request. State what you want in clear and concise terms to avoid any misunderstandings.
5. Be Ready to Negotiate
The employer may accept, or it may instead counter your counter offer. This should be expected and viewed as a positive, not a negative. Compromise is the heart of business negotiations, including salary and benefits negotiations. If the employer’s newest proposal is acceptable, you can take it after careful consideration.
Feel free to negotiate further if you think the new offer is still too low. Indicate your appreciation that the employer is willing to continue discussions, and request your newest counter proposal directly. Negotiations may take several rounds, and both parties will likely compromise from their initial offers.
6. Prepare for the Employer’s Response
While many employers will have a positive response and be open to negotiation, it’s important to be ready for all possible outcomes. In rare cases, the employer may choose to withdraw the offer entirely. If this is the case, ensure to respond professionally. More commonly, they might decline your counter offer salary but leave the original offer on the table. If this happens, you’ll need to decide whether to accept their initial terms or seek another opportunity.
Accepting a Job Offer
Use Legal Templates’s job acceptance letter to accept a job offer that you’re happy with.
Counter Offer Letter Sample
Viewing counter offer letter examples can help you better understand how to ask for more money or better benefits. When you’re ready, create your own via our counter offer letter template. Available to download in PDF and Word formats.
Negotiate with Confidence Today
With Legal Templates, it’s easy to write a counter offer letter. Our simple document editor helps you fill in your information step by step. You can ask for a better salary, benefits, or job title in a clear and professional tone. Once you’re done, you can download the letter to email or print it out to send to the employer. Use our template to feel confident and ready to start your job offer negotiations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you counter an offer letter?
Yes, it’s common for potential employees to counter an offer letter to seek more desirable conditions at a future job. If you receive multiple job offers, compare them to understand your options. Use this information to respectfully negotiate a better offer with your top choice.
Does a counter offer letter count as proof of income?
A counter offer letter does not usually count as proof of income. More acceptable types of proof of income include tax returns and employment verification letters. You may be able to use a counter offer letter as a piece of secondary evidence, but it’s usually not sufficient on its own.
How do I counter an offer for salary via email?
Start your salary negotiation email by writing a detailed subject line and expressing your thanks for the offer. Clearly state your new desired salary or other counter offer and explain your reasoning. Mention your skills and reference market research to justify the increase in salary or benefits. Conclude the email by stating that you’re available for further discussion.
