How to Negotiate Salary Over Email

4 Tips for Negotiating Salary Over Email[+2 Sample Emails]

Who said salaries cannot be negotiated successfully over emails? The process might be intimidating, but when done right, it’s never without fruit.

If you often find yourself grappling with the question, “How should you negotiate salary over email?”, this article’s for you!

Get the timing right.

This is a no-brainer! Much like everything else in life, there’s always a right time for negotiating salary over email.

Ideally, you should decide about compensation when you get the formal offer letter and initiate negotiations there and then if it’s not what you had in mind.

Don’t negotiate before your official offer arrives nor after you’ve turned it down, because, well, you know, it will make you look desperate!

Also, please don’t be anxious and keep wondering, “I negotiated my salary and have not heard back.” Oftentimes, the hiring process requires multiple internal reviews which typically take employers several days to complete. Wait three to five business days for an answer from the company before you send them a follow-up email. As a general rule, you mustn’t respond too soon or too late to avoid a wrong impression.

Know the salary range.

Again, a no-brainer!

You must know exactly what range your specific position offers. Before negotiating salary over email, find out what the industry average is.

Your research will help you set fair expectations and give you confidence when presenting data to support your request. Visit websites like Glassdoor, Indeed, Payscale, and LinkedIn Salary Insights to get information on all the positions related to your field. Compare employee benefits and bonus plans of companies that are in direct competition to your prospective employer. Add a few numbers here and there in your email. It will show your employer-to-be that you’ve done your homework and know your worth.

Be professional and polite.

You asked “how to negotiate salary offers over email successfully”. Well, here’s your answer.

It’s simple, try to sound as professional and respectful to the reader as possible.

Start by appreciating their offer. Next, express your passion for the position. Present reasons why you’re the best fit for the role.

As you move forward in your conversation, highlight how your achievements, qualifications, and abilities can support the company to achieve success. In your salary negotiation email, include a salary analysis with concrete examples of how your previous work has resulted in higher cost savings or sales volume. Make sure you’re neither excessively confrontational nor casual.

You should also present demonstrable evidence of the value you bring to the table, and are not demanding a higher wage just for the heck of it. When you express your worth like that, there’s a good chance you’ll get a favorable response.

Be clear and specific.

Avoid using unclear terminologies or heavy jargon. Use specific yet friendly phrases to articulate a coherent argument.

Before you ask for additional benefits, verify the target benefits and clarify your reasoning behind your request. When you express your demands clearly, your request comes off as genuine and well thought through.

Sample Salary Negotiation Emails

Sample # 1 - Email Template for a New Role

Subject: Salary Negotiation for [Your Name] - [Position]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

Thank you very much for offering me the [Position] position at [Company Name]. I'm very excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s success and work alongside your team.

After careful consideration and research on industry benchmarks for similar positions with my experience level and skill set, I believe a salary range of [Your Desired Salary Range] would be more reflective of my value.

As discussed during our interview, I bring [X years] of experience in [Your Area of Expertise] and a proven track record of [Highlight Achievements]. I'm confident that I can make a significant impact on your team by [Mention Specific Contributions].

I'm open to discussing alternative options that align with both your budget and my value proposition.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon,

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample # 2 - Email Template for a Promotion or Internal Transfer

Subject: Salary Negotiation for [Your Name] - Promotion to [New Position]

Dear [Manager Name],

Thank you for offering me the promotion to the [New Position] role. I'm thrilled about this opportunity to take on new challenges and contribute to [Team/Department] in a greater capacity.

As discussed during our conversation, the responsibilities of this new role involve [List Key Responsibilities] which are significantly more extensive than my current role as [Current Position]. Additionally, I will be leveraging my existing expertise in [Highlight Skills] to achieve [Future Goals].

Given the increased scope and responsibilities, and considering the market value for similar positions with my experience level, I believe a salary of [Your Desired Salary] is appropriate compensation for this position.

I'm incredibly passionate about [Company Name] and excited to continue my career growth here. I'm confident that I can deliver exceptional results in this new position. I'm open to discussing alternative compensation structures that recognize the added value I bring to this role.

Thank you again for this opportunity. I look forward to your thoughts and next steps.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]