A counteroffer letter is a response to a job offer with different proposed terms, such as a higher salary, better benefits, or more flexible working arrangements. It is your opportunity to negotiate for conditions that align with your values.
Many candidates accept offers without realizing they have room to negotiate, potentially leaving thousands of dollars and valuable benefits on the table. However, this won’t be the case if you know how to craft an effective letter requesting better conditions.
Follow along as we explore the reasons for sending a counteroffer letter, the six steps to write one, and three counteroffer examples. Besides that, we will also touch on common mistakes you should avoid when sending such a letter.
Key Takeaways
A counteroffer letter is an answer to an official job offer in which you can negotiate the proposed terms before deciding whether to accept a role.
Some common reasons for sending such a letter include asking for a higher salary, better benefits, flexible work arrangements, or relocation assistance.
When writing a counteroffer letter, start with a professional greeting and gratitude, state your proposals clearly with justifications, and close with a willingness to negotiate.
Being too demanding and unrealistic can hurt your chances of negotiating, as well as not proofreading your counteroffer letter.
What Is a Counteroffer Letter, and When Should You Send One?
A counteroffer letter is a formal written response you send to an employer after receiving a job offer in which you propose changes to the terms before deciding whether to accept. It allows you to negotiate for conditions that better suit you; for example, a higher salary, additional benefits, or flexible working arrangements.
You should send a counteroffer letter only after carefully reviewing the original offer and when you are genuinely interested in the role and would fill it if your requests are met.
Reasons for Sending a Counteroffer Letter
Here are some common reasons for sending a counteroffer letter after a job offer:
Higher salary. If the offered pay does not match industry standards and your own salary expectations, you may request more. Higher pay also reflects the value you know you can bring to the role.
Better benefits. More attractive benefits can impact your overall compensation package. They might include enhanced health insurance coverage, higher employer contributions to retirement plans, professional development allowances, or wellness programs.
Flexible work arrangements. You might negotiate for the option to work remotely, a hybrid schedule, flexible daily hours that accommodate your peak productivity times, or compressed work weeks. Such arrangements can improve your work-life balance.
Relocation assistance. If you need to relocate for work, expenses can be substantial. You may ask for assistance with moving costs, temporary housing during the transition, help with real estate transactions, or cost-of-living adjustments.
How to Write a Counteroffer Letter in 6 Steps
To write a counteroffer letter, follow these six steps:
#1. Start with a Professional Greeting
To start with a professional greeting, address the hiring manager or recruiter by name, use their proper job title, and thank them for their time. It also helps to reference your previous conversations, as this creates continuity in your communication.
Good Example
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I hope this email finds you well. Thank you for taking the time to discuss the Marketing Manager position with me yesterday.
On the other hand, here is how you should not start a counteroffer letter:
Incorrect Example
Hey Sarah,
Hope you are doing good! About that job offer...
#2. Express Gratitude for the Offer
Expressing gratitude for the offer helps you maintain a positive relationship even as you negotiate terms. Moreover, it reinforces your interest and signals that you are not making demands lightly but are seriously considering the opportunity.
Be specific and sincere by acknowledging not only the offer but also aspects of the interview process that impressed you. This shows genuine engagement throughout your interactions. Below is a sample for your reference:
Good Example
I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to join TechCorp as Marketing Manager. I appreciated the panel’s thoughtful questions during the interview, which gave me a clear picture of the team’s priorities. The team’s collaborative approach aligns perfectly with my working style, too.
In line with general email writing tips, do not keep your response too short or generic, as in the following example:
Incorrect Example
Thanks for the offer. I appreciate you considering me for the position.
#3. State Your Counteroffer Clearly
Stating your counteroffer clearly is the next step. To do this, do not beat around the bush and structure your letter logically. If you are negotiating your salary along with other elements, present the most important ones first.
Specific numbers, dates, and terms are better than statements like "more money" or "better benefits." At the same time, your counteroffer needs to be realistic; demands that seem arbitrary can derail negotiations. Instead, you should present reasonable adjustments that reflect industry standards and your skills and qualifications.
Take a look at this example:
Good Example
After careful consideration of the offer and current market rates for similar positions in our area, I would like to propose a starting salary of $75,000. I would also appreciate the flexibility to work remotely two days per week to maintain the work-life balance that has contributed to my productivity in previous roles.
And here’s an example of what you should avoid:
Incorrect Example
I was hoping for more money and maybe some other stuff. The salary seems somewhat low, and I would like to work from home occasionally, if possible.
#4. Provide Justification
Providing justification involves demonstrating why the requested changes are warranted based on your soft and hard skills, market conditions, or the value you bring to the role.
How to Provide Justification
For your skills and the value you bring to the role, highlight your unique strengths and achievements that exceed the job requirements and use concrete examples from your previous work to illustrate your track record.
For market conditions, research industry salary ranges, benefit packages, and working conditions for similar positions in your area. Presenting the data professionally and citing sources when possible also helps.
The key is to consider the company's needs and challenges when framing your justification. You should show how your background and skills position you to address their specific pain points or contribute to their goals.
Here is an example:
Good Example
My request for a $75,000 starting salary aligns with the average compensation for marketing managers with my experience level in the Seattle market, according to recent PayScale data.
Additionally, my MBA in Digital Marketing and five years of experience leading successful product launches, including the campaign that increased client retention by 35% at my current company, position me to drive similar results for your company from day one.
Do not rely on vague or self-focused reasoning, as shown in the following example:
Incorrect Example
I think I deserve more because I have experience, and I need to pay my bills. Other companies probably pay more than this.
#5. Keep the Tone Positive and Professional
Keeping a positive and professional tone throughout your counteroffer letter is essential. Phrases such as "I require," "I demand," or "I won’t accept less than" can shut down productive discussion.
On the other hand, expressions like "I would appreciate," "I'm hoping we can work together on," or "I would love to discuss the possibility of" keep the conversation positive and show that you are open to finding common ground.
Often, negotiations reveal how you manage challenges and difficult discussions. Therefore, taking a professional, solution-focused approach in your counteroffer letter can actually leave a strong impression of your communication and problem-solving skills.
For instance:
Good Example
I believe these adjustments would lay a strong foundation for a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship. I'm also confident that the additional investment in my compensation will pay off through the innovative marketing strategies and strong client relationships I will bring to your company.
Avoid letting frustration or ultimatums creep into your response, as in:
Incorrect Example
I do not think this offer reflects my skills and abilities. Unless you increase the salary, I will not be able to accept it. Reconsider if you want me to take this role.
#6. Close with Willingness to Negotiate
End your counteroffer letter by reinforcing your interest in the role while also leaving room for discussion. This shows that you are flexible and focused on finding a solution that works for both you and the employer. Use collaborative language such as "I'm happy to discuss this further" or "I look forward to finding a solution that works for both of us."
Here is how you can close your message in a collaborative way:
Good Example
I'm very excited about the possibility of joining your company and am confident we can reach an agreement that works well for both of us. I would be happy to discuss these requests further at your convenience, and I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts. Please let me know if you would like to schedule a call this week to explore options together.
Avoid wrapping up your letter with inflexible deadlines or ultimatums, as demonstrated here:
Incorrect Example
Let me know if you can meet these requirements. If not, I will have to look elsewhere. I need to hear back from you by Friday, or I'm withdrawing my application.
3 Examples of Counteroffer Letters
Here are three different counteroffer letter examples you can use as inspiration when writing your own:
#1. Example 1 – Salary Counteroffer Letter
Let’s take a look at a sample you can use for a salary counteroffer letter template:
Salary Counteroffer Letter
Subject: Re: Marketing Manager Position - Counteroffer
Dear Ms. Johnson,
Thank you for extending the offer for the Marketing Manager position at TechCorp. I'm excited about the opportunity to lead your digital marketing initiatives and contribute to the company's impressive growth trajectory.
After careful consideration and research into current market rates for similar positions in the Seattle area, I would like to respectfully counter the offered salary of $65,000 with a request for $75,000. This adjustment reflects both the industry average for marketing managers with my five years of experience and my specialized expertise in SaaS marketing, which directly aligns with TechCorp’s focus.
My track record includes increasing qualified leads by 40% and reducing customer acquisition costs by 25% at my current company. I'm confident these skills will translate into immediate value for your team. I'm very interested in joining TechCorp and am hopeful we can reach an agreement that works for both of us. I'm available to discuss this further at your convenience.
Best regards,
Jenny Miller
#2. Example 2 – Counteroffer for Benefits and Perks
A counteroffer letter sample for benefits and perks looks like this:
Counteroffer for Benefits and Perks
Subject: Re: Marketing Manager Position - Benefits & Perks Package Discussion
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the Marketing Coordinator position offer at TechCorp. The role perfectly aligns with my career goals, and I was particularly impressed by the team's innovative approach to client campaigns during my interview.
While I'm comfortable with the offered salary, I would like to discuss a few adjustments to the benefits package that would help me perform at my best:
First, I would appreciate the option to work remotely two days per week. This flexibility would eliminate my lengthy commute twice weekly and allow me to dedicate that time to strategic projects.
Additionally, I would like to explore increasing the professional development budget from $1,000 to $1,500 annually. This way, I would be able to attend the Digital Marketing Conference, which directly supports the advanced analytics initiatives you mentioned during the interview.
These adjustments would enhance my productivity and long-term contribution to TechCorp. I'm excited about the possibility of joining your team and look forward to discussing these options.
Warm regards,
Jenny Miller
#3. Example 3 – Email Counteroffer
Here’s a sample counteroffer email to guide you in writing your own:
Email Counteroffer
Subject: Re: Marketing Manager Position - Follow-Up Discussion
Dear Ms. Johnson,
Thank you for the Marketing Manager offer at TechCorp. I'm thrilled about joining your innovative team and contributing to the mobile app development projects we discussed.
I would like to propose a few adjustments to better align with my experience and market standards:
Salary: $75,000 (Currently offered $65,000)
Start date: January 15th instead of January 1st to complete my current project
Work arrangement: Hybrid schedule with 3 days in-office, 2 days remote
My full-stack experience and SaaS specialization should provide immediate value to your upcoming product launches. These adjustments would set up our partnership for long-term success.
I'm confident we can find a solution that works well for everyone. Could we schedule a brief call this week to discuss these details?
Thanks again for this exciting opportunity.
Best,
Jenny Miller
4 Crucial Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Counteroffer Letter
Here are four crucial mistakes to avoid when writing a counteroffer letter to your potential employer:
Mistakes to Avoid
Being too aggressive or demanding. Pushy language and phrases, such as "I require" or "This is non-negotiable," create an adversarial dynamic that employers rarely respond to positively. In addition, it masks you as an uncollaborative person, and by extension, a poor team member.
Making unrealistic requests. For example, demanding executive-level benefits for an entry-level position shows poor judgment. To employers, it would look like you either do not understand your worth in the current market or have unrealistic expectations about the role's value.
Failing to research market salaries. Without concrete data about industry standards, your requests appear arbitrary. In addition, because employers typically expect candidates to understand their market value, lacking research suggests you have not taken the negotiation seriously.
Not proofreading your letter. Spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, or resume formatting issues create the impression of carelessness. Though they might seem like minor errors, they can raise concerns about your professionalism and communication skills.
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Closing Thoughts
Now, you know what a counteroffer letter is and how to write one. With our six-step framework, practical examples, and awareness of common pitfalls, you are well-equipped to negotiate confidently and professionally.
Do not forget to research thoroughly, maintain a collaborative tone, and focus on the mutual benefits. In return, a well-crafted counteroffer letter can help you secure terms that reflect your true value while also building positive relationships with employers.
Counteroffer Letter FAQs
#1. Is a 20% counteroffer too much?
A 20% counteroffer is not too much if supported by a strong justification; it depends on your experience, industry standards, and the original offer's competitiveness. Just make sure you have concrete data to back up your counteroffer.
#2. Can an employer withdraw a job offer after a counteroffer?
Yes, an employer can withdraw a job offer after a counteroffer, though this is not always the case. Most employers expect a job offer negotiation letter and will either accept, decline, or make a counter-proposal.
#3. Is a counteroffer a rejection?
A counteroffer is not a rejection but a negotiation; it means the other party values your proposal but wants to adjust the terms before agreeing. An actual rejection would mean they are not interested at all.
