How to use these scripts:
- Copy the template that matches your situation
- Replace [bracketed placeholders] with your specific details
- Adjust tone to match your personality (keep professional)
- Read it out loud before sending to catch awkward phrasing
Early Stage: Delaying Salary Discussion
When Asked "What's Your Salary Expectation?" (Application/Phone Screen)
"I'm focused on finding the right fit where I can contribute and grow. I'm confident we can agree on fair compensation if we're a good match for each other. I'd love to learn more about the role and expectations first."
Why this works: Shows you're evaluating them too (not desperate), focuses on fit first, keeps options open.
If They Press for a Number
"Based on my research for [role] roles with [X years] experience in [location/industry], I'm seeing ranges from [LOW] to [HIGH]. I'm flexible within that range depending on the total compensation package, growth opportunities, and team fit. What's the budgeted range for this position?"
Pro tip: Give a wide range (e.g., $120K-$180K) based on real market data, then immediately flip the question back to them.
Offer Received: Initial Response
Receiving the Offer (Always Express Enthusiasm First!)
Subject: Re: Offer from [Company] Hi [Hiring Manager], Thank you so much for the offer! I'm excited about the opportunity to join [Company] and contribute to [specific project/team/mission]. I'd like to review the full offer details carefully. Could you send over the written offer with the complete compensation breakdown (base salary, bonus structure, equity, benefits, etc.)? I'd appreciate 2-3 days to review everything thoroughly. When would be a good time to discuss once I've had a chance to review? Thanks again—I'm really looking forward to this! Best, [Your Name]
Key points: Show excitement, request written offer, buy time (2-3 days standard), don't accept immediately.
Making Your Counter-Offer
Standard Counter-Offer (Salary Focused)
Subject: Re: Offer from [Company] Hi [Hiring Manager], Thank you again for the offer. I've had time to review everything, and I'm very excited about joining the team! After researching market rates for [role] positions with [X years] experience in [location], and considering my specific background in [key skills/achievements], I was hoping we could discuss the base salary. Based on my research and the value I'll bring to [specific contribution], I was targeting a base salary of [TARGET NUMBER—typically 10-20% above their offer]. I'm confident I'll deliver strong results in [specific area], and I'm eager to contribute to [team goal/project]. Is there flexibility in the salary to reach this number? I'm also open to discussing the overall compensation package if there are constraints on base salary. Looking forward to finding a solution that works for both of us! Best, [Your Name]
Counter-Offer with Competing Offer Leverage
Subject: Re: Offer from [Company] Hi [Hiring Manager], Thank you for the offer—I'm genuinely excited about [Company] and the opportunity to work on [specific project/team]. I want to be transparent: I'm also considering another offer at [COMPETING COMPANY OR "a similar-stage company"]. That offer includes: • Base salary: $[AMOUNT] • [Other relevant comp: bonus, equity, etc.] [Company] is my strong preference because [genuine reason: team, mission, growth, culture, technology, etc.]. I'm hoping we can get closer to a total compensation of $[TARGET] to make this an easy decision. I need to respond to the other offer by [DATE]. Can we find a way to make this work? Thanks for understanding—I really want to join [Company]! Best, [Your Name]
Critical: Only use this if you ACTUALLY have a competing offer. Never lie—you'll get caught and lose the offer.
Negotiating Beyond Salary (If Salary is "Final")
Subject: Re: Offer from [Company] Hi [Hiring Manager], Thanks for clarifying that the base salary is at the top of the band. I completely understand budget constraints. I'm still very excited to join! To bridge the gap, could we explore other components of the package? I'd be interested in discussing: • Signing bonus to offset the lower base • Earlier performance review (6 months instead of 12 months) • Additional equity grant • Extra PTO days (currently [X], hoping for [X+5]) • Professional development budget • [Remote work flexibility / relocation support / other perks] Would any of these be possible? I'm flexible and eager to find a solution. Best, [Your Name]
Responding to Their Counter-Counter
They Meet You in the Middle
Subject: Re: Updated Offer Hi [Hiring Manager], Thank you! I really appreciate you working with me on this. $[NEW AMOUNT] works for me. I'm excited to accept the offer and join the team! When would you like me to start? And what are the next steps for signing the paperwork? Looking forward to it! Best, [Your Name]
When to accept: If they've moved significantly (50%+ of the gap), it's usually time to accept. Don't keep pushing—you'll damage the relationship.
They Move Slightly (One More Push)
Subject: Re: Updated Offer Hi [Hiring Manager], Thanks for the revised offer at $[THEIR NEW NUMBER]. I appreciate you going back to get approval on that. Is there any possibility of reaching $[YOUR TARGET—split remaining gap]? That would make this an immediate yes for me, and I'd be thrilled to accept. If not, could we explore [signing bonus / equity / other component] to close the gap? I'm eager to join and start contributing! Best, [Your Name]
They Say "This is Our Final Offer"
Subject: Re: Final Offer Hi [Hiring Manager], I appreciate your transparency about the budget constraints. Let me think this over for 24 hours and I'll get back to you tomorrow. Thanks again for working with me on this—I really value how this conversation has gone. Best, [Your Name]
What to do: Take time to evaluate. Calculate total comp, compare to alternatives, consider non-monetary factors. If it's close to your walk-away number and the role is great, accept. If it's far below, be prepared to walk away.
Internal Raise/Promotion Scripts
Requesting a Performance Review / Raise Discussion
Subject: Performance Review & Compensation Discussion Hi [Manager], I'd like to schedule time to discuss my performance and compensation. I've been with [Company] for [TIME PERIOD], and I've made significant contributions including: • [Achievement 1 with measurable impact] • [Achievement 2 with measurable impact] • [Achievement 3 with measurable impact] I've also taken on [expanded responsibilities beyond original role]. Based on my research of market rates for [role] with [X years experience], and the value I'm delivering, I'd like to discuss bringing my compensation in line with market rates. Would you have 30 minutes this week or next to discuss? Thanks, [Your Name]
Raise Request in Performance Review
"Thank you for the positive feedback on my performance. I'm glad to hear I'm exceeding expectations. I'd like to discuss compensation. Based on my contributions this year and research on market rates for [role/level] in [location], I believe a raise to $[TARGET] would be appropriate. This reflects: • My expanded scope [examples] • The impact I've delivered [quantified results] • Market rates for my experience level I'm committed to continuing to grow and deliver results. Is this something we can work toward?"
What NOT to Say (Common Mistakes)
❌ "I need $X to cover my bills/mortgage/debt"
Why it fails: Your personal finances aren't their concern. Negotiate based on market value and your contribution, not your expenses.
❌ "I have other offers" (when you don't)
Why it fails: They might call your bluff or ask for proof. Lying destroys trust and can result in losing the offer entirely.
❌ "This offer is insulting / way too low"
Why it fails: Defensive and accusatory tone damages the relationship. Stay collaborative and professional always.
❌ "My colleague makes $X, so I should too"
Why it fails: Comparing to internal peers is messy and political. Focus on external market rates and your individual value.
Pro Negotiation Tips
- 💡Always negotiate via email first - Gives you time to craft responses, creates paper trail, easier to stay professional.
- 💡Anchor high but reasonable - Counter 10-20% above their offer, backed by market research. Don't lowball yourself.
- 💡Express enthusiasm + negotiate - You can be excited AND ask for more. They're not mutually exclusive.
- 💡Use "we" language - "Can we find a way to reach $X?" frames it as collaboration, not confrontation.
- 💡Know your walk-away number - Before negotiating, decide your minimum acceptable offer. Be willing to walk.
Tools to Support Your Negotiation
Key Takeaways
- ✅ Use templates as starting points - Customize to your voice and situation
- ✅ Always express enthusiasm - Show you want the job while negotiating
- ✅ Negotiate via email first - Gives you time and creates documentation
- ✅ Back up asks with data - Market research, competing offers, your achievements
- ✅ Be collaborative, not confrontational - "Can we find a way..." not "I demand..."
- ✅ Know when to accept - Don't over-negotiate and damage the relationship
Ready to Negotiate Your Offer?
Use our negotiation calculator to determine your target number and prepare your case.
Calculate Your Counter-Offer