Requesting a better offer is standard in hiring when done politely with a clear reason. Enter the offer, your desired figure, and your reason, then choose an approach.
Your email
Subject:Offer for [Job title in the offer]: salary discussion — [Your name]
Dear [Recruiter's or HR contact's name],
Thank you for the offer of [Job title in the offer] at [Company name]. I am eager to join the role and the team.
Before accepting, I want to discuss the salary. You have offered [Pay offered], and I would like to propose [Pay you are asking for]. [Your reasons]
I understand budgets have limits, and I'm open to discussing this further. [Where you are flexible] If we can agree on [Pay you are asking for], I’m ready to accept and set my joining date.
Thanks for considering my request. I look forward to your reply.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Words in [brackets] are what you replace. The generator above fills them in for you.
Counter-offer with a figure
Subject: Offer for [Job title in the offer]: salary discussion — [Your name]
Dear [Recruiter's or HR contact's name],
Thank you for the offer of [Job title in the offer] at [Company name]. I am eager to join the role and the team.
Before accepting, I want to discuss the salary. You have offered [Pay offered], and I would like to propose [Pay you are asking for]. [Your reasons]
I understand budgets have limits, and I'm open to discussing this further. [Where you are flexible] If we can agree on [Pay you are asking for], I’m ready to accept and set my joining date.
Thanks for considering my request. I look forward to your reply.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Asking for a joining bonus
Subject: Offer for [Job title in the offer]: request for a joining bonus — [Your name]
Dear [Recruiter's or HR contact's name],
Thank you for the [Job title in the offer] offer at [Company name]. I am eager to join, and I have one request before accepting.
The offer stands at [Pay offered], while I hoped for [Pay you are asking for]. [Your reasons]
If the base salary can't be adjusted, would you consider a one-time joining bonus of [Joining bonus to ask for]? This would help narrow the gap without altering the salary structure.
[Where you are flexible]
I am open to discussing this over a call if it helps. Thank you for considering my request.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Asking for a review after 6 months
Subject: Offer for [Job title in the offer]: request for a salary review after six months — [Your name]
Dear [Recruiter's or HR contact's name],
Thank you for offering me the [Job title in the offer] position at [Company name]. I am eager to join and would suggest one addition before accepting.
The offer is [Pay offered], while I had hoped for [Pay you are asking for]. [Your reasons]
I know the budget may be fixed now. Could we agree on a salary review after six months, raising it to [Pay you are asking for] if I achieve our goals for that time? If so, I would gladly accept your current offer.
Could we include the review and its terms in the offer letter or confirm in writing to be clear on expectations?
[Where you are flexible]
Thank you for considering this. I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Tips
Specify one figure, not a range. Giving a range often leads to getting the lower end.
Before choosing a figure, research pay for similar roles using job listings that show salaries and from industry contacts.
Support your figure with your skills, experience, results, and job requirements. Personal expenses aren't a valid reason for an employer to consider.
Compare accurately: fixed pay with fixed pay, total package with total package.
Decide your next move if they say no: accept the original offer, request something else, or decline.
Once agreed, request the revised offer letter and only accept or resign after receiving it in writing.
Use Before Accepting a Job Offer
The Salary Negotiation Email Format tool is useful when you receive a job offer through InnHirers and wish to discuss the compensation. Before you accept the offer, fill in the current proposal, your desired figure, and a clear reason. Choose an approach that fits your situation. This tool helps craft an email to professionally request a better offer.
When actively searching and applying for jobs on InnHirers, this tool becomes valuable the moment a new offer arrives. Knowing how to politely negotiate pay can ease conversations with potential employers in cities like Mumbai or Bengaluru, within IT and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you negotiate salary after receiving an offer?
Yes. Politely asking once with a clear reason is normal in hiring. The worst result is often that the employer says the offer is final.
How much more pay should I ask for?
Base your figure on market rates for similar roles, your current pay, and your own skills, rather than a fixed percentage. Pick one number you can explain in a sentence or two.
Should I negotiate pay by email or phone?
Both can work. Email lets you choose your words and gives a written record. If you reach an agreement by phone, follow up with an email.
What if the company says the pay offer is final?
Think about whether the offer suits you. You may still ask for a joining bonus, an early review, or different terms, but don't pretend to have another offer if you don't.