Salary Negotiation Email Templates: 7 Scripts for New Grads (2026)
Most salary negotiations happen over email. But when you're staring at a blank screen trying to figure out what to say to ask for more money — without sounding greedy, desperate, or ungrateful — most new grads freeze. That's why we created these 7 copy-paste email templates. Each one is designed for a specific scenario in the negotiation process. Fill in the brackets with your details and hit send.
Why Email Is the Best Way to Negotiate Salary
Email gives you time to think. In a phone call, you might get flustered and negotiate against yourself. In an email, you can carefully craft your ask, anchor to data, and make it easy for the recruiter to respond. A well-written email also creates a paper trail — both sides have a record of what was discussed and agreed.
The key principles for any salary negotiation email: express genuine enthusiasm for the role, anchor your ask to market data (not feelings), be specific with your number, make it collaborative ("is there flexibility" not "I demand"), and always include a deadline or next step.
Template 1: Counter Offer After a Written Offer
Subject: Re: Job Offer — [Your Name] — [Job Title] Hi [Recruiter Name], Thank you so much for the offer! I'm really excited about the opportunity to join [Company] as a [Job Title]. The role aligns perfectly with what I'm looking for. After reviewing the compensation package, I wanted to see if there's flexibility on the base salary. Based on my research, the market rate for this role in [City] is between $[X] and $[Y]. Given my [specific experience/skill — e.g., "internship experience at [Company]" or "portfolio of [specific projects]"], I was hoping we could move the base salary closer to $[Z]. Would it be possible to discuss this? I'm happy to jump on a quick call if that's easier. Thank you again for this opportunity — I'm looking forward to joining the team. Best, [Your Name]
When to use this: You received a written offer via email and want to counter with a specific number. This is the most common negotiation scenario.
Template 2: Counter Offer After a Verbal Offer
Subject: Following Up — [Your Name] — [Job Title] Offer Hi [Recruiter Name], Thank you for the great news on the phone today — I'm thrilled about the offer to join [Company] as a [Job Title]. As I mentioned, I'd like to take a day to review the full compensation package before formally accepting. I've done some research on market rates for this role, and based on the data from [Glassdoor/Payscale/NACE], the range for [Job Title] in [City] is $[X]–$[Y]. Given my [specific experience], I was hoping we could move the base salary to $[Z]. Is there flexibility on this? I'm excited about the role and would love to make this work. Looking forward to hearing from you. Best, [Your Name]
When to use this: A recruiter gave you a verbal offer on the phone and you asked for time to think. This email follows up with your counter.
Template 3: Negotiating When the Offer Is Below Market
Subject: Re: Job Offer — [Your Name] Hi [Recruiter Name], Thank you for the offer to join [Company] as a [Job Title]. I'm genuinely excited about the opportunity and the work the team is doing. I've been reviewing the compensation and doing some research on market rates. The current offer of $[offer amount] is below what I've seen for similar roles in [City] — the market range appears to be $[X]–$[Y] based on [source]. I'd love to find a way to make this work. Would there be flexibility to move the base salary closer to $[target]? I'm also open to discussing other forms of compensation if the base is fixed — such as a signing bonus or additional PTO. Thank you again for this opportunity. I'm confident I can bring real value to the team. Best, [Your Name]
When to use this: The offer is clearly below market rate and you have data to back it up. Be respectful but direct.
Template 4: Asking About Benefits When Salary Is Fixed
Subject: Re: Job Offer — [Your Name] — [Job Title] Hi [Recruiter Name], Thank you for the offer! I'm excited about joining [Company] and contributing to the team. I understand the base salary of $[offer amount] is at the top of the band for this role and may not have flexibility. If that's the case, I'd love to explore other areas where we might have room to move — such as: - A signing bonus to help bridge the gap - Additional paid time off - Remote work flexibility (1-2 days per week) - A professional development budget for conferences or certifications - A 6-month performance review with salary adjustment Would any of these be possible? I'm eager to accept and would love to find a package that works for both sides. Best, [Your Name]
When to use this: The company says salary is non-negotiable (common in large new grad programs). Pivot to what IS negotiable.
Template 5: Following Up After No Response
Subject: Checking In — [Your Name] — [Job Title] Offer Hi [Recruiter Name], I hope you're doing well! I wanted to follow up on my email from [date] regarding the offer for the [Job Title] position. I'm still very excited about the opportunity and would love to move forward. I wanted to check if there's any update on the compensation discussion, or if you need any additional information from me. I'd like to give my final response by [date — usually 3-5 days from this email]. Please let me know if we can wrap up the details. Thank you again for this opportunity. Best, [Your Name]
When to use this: You sent a counter offer and haven't heard back in 2-3 business days. Be polite but include a soft deadline.
Template 6: Accepting a Negotiated Offer
Subject: Re: Job Offer — [Your Name] — [Job Title] Hi [Recruiter Name], Thank you for working with me on the compensation package. I'm excited to accept the offer for the [Job Title] position at [Company]. To confirm our conversation, the agreed terms are: - Base salary: $[amount] - Signing bonus: $[amount] (if applicable) - Start date: [date] - [Any other agreed terms — PTO, remote days, etc.] I'm looking forward to joining the team and getting started. Please let me know what the next steps are and if there's any paperwork I should complete before my start date. Thank you again for this opportunity — I can't wait to get started. Best, [Your Name]
When to use this: The negotiation is done and you're formally accepting. Always confirm the details in writing.
Template 7: Declining an Offer That Won't Move
Subject: Re: Job Offer — [Your Name] — [Job Title] Hi [Recruiter Name], Thank you so much for the offer to join [Company] as a [Job Title]. I genuinely appreciate the time and effort you and the team put into this process. After careful consideration, I've decided to go in a different direction. The compensation package, while competitive, doesn't quite align with my current market research and career goals. I want to emphasize that I had a great experience throughout the interview process and think highly of [Company]. I'd love to stay in touch and hope our paths cross again in the future. Thank you again for everything. Best, [Your Name]
When to use this: The offer is below market, they won't move, and you have a better option. Be gracious — you never know when you'll cross paths again.
Key Rules for All Salary Negotiation Emails
1. Always express enthusiasm first. Start every email by confirming your interest. You're negotiating because you want the job, not because you're shopping around.
2. Never give a range. "I'm looking for $60,000–$70,000" means they hear $60,000. Always give a specific number at the top of your range.
3. Anchor to data, not feelings. "The market rate is $X" beats "I feel I deserve more." Cite a source — Glassdoor, Payscale, NACE, or Robert Half.
4. Make it easy for them to say yes. Frame your ask as a question, not a demand. "Is there flexibility on the base salary?" is better than "I need $X."
5. Don't negotiate against yourself. State your number and stop. Don't add "but I understand if that's not possible" or "I'm flexible." You just lowered your own ask.
6. Keep it short. Your email should be under 200 words. Recruiters read hundreds of emails — get to the point quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait before sending a counter offer email?
Within 24-48 hours of receiving the offer. If you wait a week, they'll assume you're not interested or not planning to negotiate. Strike while their interest is highest.
What if the recruiter doesn't respond to my counter offer?
Wait 2-3 business days, then send a polite follow-up (Template 5). If they don't respond after that, assume the answer is no and decide whether to accept the original offer.
Should I negotiate by phone or email?
Email is almost always better for new grads. It gives you time to craft your message, anchor to data, and avoid getting flustered. If the recruiter calls you to discuss, that's fine — but get any agreed changes confirmed in writing afterward.
Can I negotiate if the offer is already good?
Yes, if it's below the top of your researched market range. But if it's at or above market rate, pushing for more can backfire. See our guide on when not to negotiate salary.
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