How to write a salary negotiation email that works
Most people accept the first salary they're offered. Of those who negotiate, the vast majority get more. A well-crafted salary negotiation email is one of the most valuable documents you'll ever write — and one of the shortest.
Why email works for salary negotiation
Negotiating by email has real advantages over a phone call: you can choose your words carefully, you have a written record, and the employer has time to consider without pressure. It also removes the social awkwardness that makes many people back down from in-person negotiations.
Before you write anything — know your number
Don't negotiate without a specific, justified figure in mind. Research:
- Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, Reed and industry salary surveys for your role and location
- Your own current or most recent salary as a baseline
- The value of the total package (pension, holiday, bonus, remote work) — sometimes a lower salary with better benefits is actually better overall
Template 1: Negotiating a job offer
Dear [Name],
Thank you so much for the offer — I'm genuinely excited about the opportunity to join [company name] and contribute to [specific project/team/goal].
I'd like to discuss the base salary. Based on my research into the market rate for this role in [location], and given my [X years of experience / specific skills], I was hoping we could get closer to £[your number].
I'm flexible on the structure — I'm happy to discuss if there's a way to reach this through a combination of base salary and bonus.
I'd love to make this work and look forward to your thoughts.
Kind regards,
[Your name]
Template 2: Requesting a salary increase
Dear [Manager's name],
I'd like to set up some time to discuss my current salary. Over the past [X months], I have [key achievement — e.g. grown the client portfolio by 30%, taken on managing the junior team, delivered the product launch ahead of schedule].
I've also done some market research and found that the median salary for this role and experience level in [location] is around £[X]. I'd like to discuss moving my salary to £[your target].
I'm committed to this role and the team and want to find a structure that reflects the value I'm contributing. Could we find 30 minutes this week or next to talk it through?
Thanks very much,
[Your name]
Template 3: When they come back with less than you asked
Thank you for the updated offer. I appreciate you working on this.
I understand the constraints, and I want to find a way to make this work. I'd like to suggest we land at £[figure between your ask and their counter] — I think this reflects the value I'll bring while being reasonable given what you've shared.
If salary flexibility is limited, I'd also be open to discussing an earlier salary review (e.g. at 6 months rather than 12) or an additional [day of holiday / remote working flexibility / signing bonus].
I'm genuinely enthusiastic about joining the team and want to make this happen.
Kind regards,
[Your name]
What to do if they say no
A rejection isn't always final. Ask: "I understand — could we agree on a formal review at 6 months?" This plants a seed and creates an expectation. Also consider the full package: sometimes a "no" on base salary comes with movement on bonus, holiday or flexibility if you ask directly.
If the answer is genuinely final and the gap is significant, you have a decision to make. Accepting well below market rate often leads to resentment and departure within a year anyway — a frank conversation now is better than a slow-burn dissatisfaction later.
Update your CV before negotiating
A strong CV demonstrates your market value — make sure yours is current.
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