Entry-Level Salary Negotiation Scripts for New Grads (2026)

Negotiation is nerve-wracking — especially when it's your first job offer and you have no experience doing it. That's exactly why scripts work. When you're nervous, you stumble, you hedge, you say "um" and "if it's okay." Scripts remove the guesswork. You know exactly what to say, how to say it, and when to stop talking.

This guide gives you 7 copy-paste negotiation scripts for entry-level and new grad job offers — email and phone templates that have been tested and refined to get results.

Why Scripts Work Better Than Winging It

When you wing it, three things go wrong. First, you forget to anchor your number to data, which makes your ask seem arbitrary. Second, you keep talking after you make your ask, filling the silence with justifications that weaken your position. Third, you let emotion drive the conversation — you get flustered when they push back and retreat from your number.

Scripts solve all three problems. They force you to anchor to data, they tell you when to stop talking (the silence after your ask is your friend — let them respond), and they keep emotion out of it. You're not improvising; you're executing a plan. That confidence comes through in your voice and your writing, and it makes the employer more likely to take your ask seriously.

Before You Use These Scripts: Do This First

Before you send any negotiation email or make any call, you need three things:

1. Research your market rate. Use Levels.fyi for tech roles, Glassdoor and LinkedIn Salary for everything else. Know the range for your role, company, and location. Your number must be anchored to data — "Based on my research..." is the strongest opener you can use.

2. Know your walk-away number. Before you negotiate, decide the minimum you'll accept. This isn't what you hope for — it's the number below which you'd decline the offer. Knowing your walk-away prevents you from agreeing to a number you'll regret.

3. Decide what you're prioritizing. Are you optimizing for base salary, or are you open to other elements like signing bonus, start date, or flexibility? If base salary is constrained, knowing what else to ask for keeps the negotiation productive. See our guide on evaluating a job offer for the full framework.

Email Negotiation Scripts

Script 1 — Standard counter-offer email

"Hi [Name],

Thank you so much for the offer to join [Company] as a [Role]. I'm really excited about the opportunity and confident I can make a strong contribution to the team.

After reviewing the full offer and researching market rates for this role at comparable companies in [location], I was hoping we could discuss the base salary. Based on my research, the market range is $X–$Y, and I was hoping for something closer to $[target — typically 10–15% above their offer].

I'm very interested in joining the team and would love to find a number that works for both of us. Is there flexibility on the base?

Thanks again — I really appreciate it.

[Your Name]"

Script 2 — Counter with competing offer

"Hi [Name],

Thank you again for the offer — I'm really excited about the role at [Company].

I wanted to be transparent: I have another offer that's coming in at $X. I'm much more excited about the opportunity at [Company] and would strongly prefer to join your team, but the compensation gap is meaningful. Is there any flexibility to bring the base closer to $[target]?

I'd love to make this work with [Company] — let me know if there's room to discuss.

[Your Name]"

Script 3 — Negotiating a signing bonus instead of salary

"Hi [Name],

Thank you for the offer — I'm really excited to join the team at [Company].

I understand the base salary may be fixed for this role. If that's the case, I was wondering if there might be flexibility on a signing bonus? Based on my research, a signing bonus in the range of $X–$Y is common for comparable roles, and it would help close the gap to my market expectations.

I'm very committed to joining [Company] and would love to find a way to make this work.

[Your Name]"

Script 4 — Following up after verbal negotiation

"Hi [Name],

Thank you for the conversation earlier — I really appreciate you taking the time to discuss the offer.

To confirm: we discussed a base salary of $X [and a signing bonus of $Y], with a start date of [date]. Could you send over the updated offer letter reflecting these terms when you have a chance?

I'm really excited to join the team and looking forward to getting started. Thanks again for working with me on this.

[Your Name]"

Phone/Video Negotiation Scripts

Script 5 — Opening the negotiation on a call

"Hi [Name], thanks for taking the time to talk. I wanted to start by saying how excited I am about the offer — I really enjoyed the interview process and I'm confident [Company] is the right fit for me.

I did want to discuss the compensation package. I've done research on market rates for this role, and based on what I'm seeing — comparable positions at similar companies in [location] are coming in around $X–$Y. I was hoping for something closer to $[target]. Is there flexibility on the base?"

Script 6 — Responding to "that's our best offer"

"I understand. I really appreciate the offer and I'm excited about the role. If salary is fixed, are there other areas where there might be flexibility — a signing bonus, start date, or professional development budget? I'd love to find a way to make this work for both of us."

Script 7 — Closing the negotiation professionally

"Thank you — I really appreciate you working with me on this. I'm excited to accept the offer at $X. Could you send over the updated offer letter reflecting the revised terms? I'm looking forward to joining the team and getting started."

What to Say If You're Nervous

Nerves are normal. The key is to slow down, breathe, and remember: you're not asking for a favor. You're asking for market rate, and you have data to support it. A few tips:

Use the scripts. Print them out or have them on screen. Read them word for word if you need to. There's no shame in being prepared.

Embrace the silence. After you make your ask, stop talking. The silence will feel uncomfortable — resist the urge to fill it with justifications. Let them respond first.

It's okay to say "let me think about that." If they counter your counter, you don't have to respond immediately. "Thank you — let me think about that and get back to you by [date]." Buying time is a valid negotiation tactic.

Remember: the worst they can say is no. A professional negotiation never costs you the offer. The worst case is that they say "this is our best offer" — and you still have the original offer on the table. There's no downside to asking politely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I negotiate by email or phone?

Either works. Email gives you more control over your wording and lets you include your research. Phone is more personal and can build rapport. If you're nervous, email is safer — you can craft and review your message. If you're confident, phone can be more effective because it's harder for the employer to say no to a real person.

How long should I wait for a response to my negotiation email?

2–3 business days. If you haven't heard back, a polite follow-up is appropriate: "Hi [Name], just following up on my note from Tuesday — I'd love to wrap up the conversation this week if possible. Thanks!"

What if they say no to my counter?

Accept graciously and move on. "Thank you for considering — I understand. I'm still very excited about the offer and happy to accept at the original terms." You haven't lost anything by asking. See our complete guide on how to negotiate salary as a college graduate for the full strategy.

Where can I learn more?

See our guide on how to negotiate salary as a college graduate for the complete framework, and our guide on evaluating a job offer for what to look at beyond salary.