How to Write an Email to Negotiate a Higher Salary (With Templates)

Readers like you help support MUO. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.

Getting a job offer can be exciting, but it can turn into a disappointment if your pay isn't what you expected. However, with the right approach and an effective email, you can increase your chances of success and get higher compensation.

In this article, we'll help you write a compelling salary negotiation email and achieve your desired pay.

1. Write a Clear Subject Line

Before beginning your email, you may want to look at your subject line. Maintaining a professional and positive tone right from the start is essential. Keep it brief and avoid mentioning salary negotiation.

A subject line that doesn’t directly mention salary negotiation could be the key to getting your email opened and read. Aim to create a subject line that suggests the email is about the job offer or expresses appreciation for the opportunity.

Instead of explicitly stating your intention, you can go for something like:

"Expressing Gratitude for the Job Offer"
“Thank You for the Job Offer”
“Response to Job Offer—Software Developer”

2. Begin With a Formal Greeting

Starting with a formal greeting is one of the essential tips for writing an effective email. A formal greeting such as "Dear [Name]" or "Hello [Name]" is more appropriate in a business setting than a casual greeting such as "Hi" or "Hey." In addition to setting the tone for the email, it helps identify the recipient and clarify who the email is intended for.

Furthermore, you can add “Greetings of the day” or “Hope you’re doing well” in the next line. It serves as an icebreaker and helps to establish a more personal connection with the recipient.

3. Thank the Employer for the Job Offer

As you progress in the email, thank the employer and express your enthusiasm for the offer. Showing appreciation can be a great way to begin your email with an affirmative tone.

Besides, it can make your email more persuasive and increase the chances of a positive response from the employer. You can also include one or two lines appreciating the interview process and the people who were involved in the interview process.

4. State Your Request for a Higher Salary

Next, state your request for a higher salary promptly. You can begin by citing specific reasons why you believe you deserve it. For example, mention how your experience and skills make you a valuable asset to the company.

You can also highlight any out-of-scope work or successes at your previous job. This will help to provide a stronger case for why you deserve a higher salary.

5. Provide Concrete Examples of Your Work or Accomplishments

Further, ensure you attach or provide examples of your work or accomplishments. Using numbers and data to support your claims will make your achievements more credible.

In each instance, provide specific details and quantify the impact of your work. You can group your achievements by theme, by project, or by the impact they had on the company. Here are some specific examples of how you can quantify your accomplishments:

"Increased sales by 20% in the first quarter."
"Improved efficiency by 30% by developing a new process."
"Saved the company $20,000 by negotiating a better contract with a supplier."

6. Negotiate by Offering a Range, Rather Than a Specific Number

Providing a range of your expected salary can be useful if you are not sure precisely what salary you should be asking for or if you have multiple offers. Moreover, it can show your employer your flexibility and openness to negotiation.

Research your job role on the best tools for estimating salaries online to know how much pay you deserve. This will strengthen your case while negotiating with your employer.

7. Be Prepared to Negotiate Other Aspects of the Offer

Further, you can negotiate other aspects of the offer to get the best overall package for your needs and goals.

Also, negotiating a higher salary may not always be possible, particularly if the company has a strict budget or if the position has a set pay range. Negotiating other aspects of the offer, like extra leaves or flexible work arrangements, can prove more effective.

8. Review and End the Email by Thanking the Employer

a man looking at his laptop and giving a thumbs up indicating satisfaction with his work.

Lastly, end your email by thanking the employer and expressing your continued interest in the job. Check your email for any spelling errors or grammatical mistakes.

Reviewing your email before sending it can increase the chances that it will be well-received and effective. Once you go through your email, send it to your employer.

Templates for Salary Negotiation Email

As an experienced professional, you can use this template as a starting point:

Template 1:

Subject line: Thank You for the Job Offer

Dear [Employer Name],

Hope you’re doing well.

Thank you for offering me the [job title] position at [Company]. I am incredibly excited about the opportunity and the potential to contribute to the company's success.

Having thoroughly reviewed the offer, I am grateful for the terms presented. However, after considering and researching industry standards, I would like to negotiate the job offer.

Based on the skills I bring to the table and the value I am confident I can provide to [Company Name], I am hoping for a salary in the range of [desired salary range]. This range aligns more closely with my market research and the demands of the position.

I am open to negotiating other aspects of the offer, such as additional paid time off or flexible work arrangements. Thank you for considering my request, and I look forward to discussing this further.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

If you’re an entry-level professional, you can try this template to negotiate a higher salary with your employer.

Template 2:

Subject line: Expressing Gratitude for the Job Offer

Dear [Employer Name],

Greetings of the day.

I am writing to express my gratitude for the opportunity to join your team as a [Job Title] at [Company]. I am excited to begin my career with such a reputable organization and contribute my skills and abilities to the company's success.

However, after considering the terms of the offer, I wanted to bring to your attention to the offered salary. I am excited to start my first professional experience and make a positive impact on [Company Name]. With that said, and considering the industry norms for similar roles, I was hoping for a salary within the range of [desired salary range].

Further, I am also open to discussing other benefits, such as flexible work arrangements or development opportunities.

Thank you again for the opportunity to join your team. I am looking forward to contributing to the company's success and growth.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Furthermore, you can access salary negotiation email templates for download on Template.net, Sample Templates, and TemplateLab. You can customize and download them in Google Docs or Microsoft Word.

Achieve the Compensation You Deserve With a Professional Salary Negotiation Email

Negotiating a higher salary can be intimidating, especially for those new to the workforce. However, it is essential to remember that advocating for yourself and your worth is crucial to building a successful career. Following the tips in this article, you can communicate your value and negotiate a fair and competitive salary.