Getting a job offer with a lower salary than you anticipated can really hurt. On the one hand, you expect a fair wage. On the other hand, you may like the job offer and the opportunity to work with a well-established organization.
Most companies won’t offer you the salary that your skills likely deserve. But you should consider arranging a phone call and presenting a counteroffer, as more than 50% of companies expect you to negotiate.
A salary negotiation email is also a good choice because you can be deliberate with and articulate your counteroffer. However, negotiating salary can be tricky regardless of the medium. So, you may wonder how to negotiate salary over email.
Here are some tips, tricks, and examples for various scenarios to help you get the right message across.
Why Is Negotiating Salary So Difficult?
Negotiating salary is a delicate subject that most candidates don’t want to approach. You may feel reluctant because you fear the company will retract the offer, or you may not want to come off as greedy.
Meanwhile, companies would rather pay their employees less and may not want to engage in a lengthy back-and-forth negotiation. They may also believe they’ve already given you the best possible offer.
But it’s crucial to ensure that you secure the right salary for your level of experience and skills. And you could be leaving money on the table if you don’t test how much wiggle room your company has.
Tips for Negotiating Salary Through Email
When composing a salary negotiation email, be sure to share what value you’ll bring to the company and why you expect a higher salary. Check out the tips below for negotiating salary through email:
Tip 1: Show Appreciation
Start by greeting and letting your prospective employer know that you appreciate the job offer and are excited to start your new role.
Tip 2: Include Market Research Data
Acknowledge the amount your company is offering and politely explain your expectations for the salary range you hope to receive. You can back up your expectations by including market research data on similar job positions.
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for comprehensive salary information regarding various positions in different industries and geographical locations. For single salary reports based on HR-reported data, you can check the SHRM Compensation Data Center.
Tip 3: List Your Skills
List your skills that go beyond the requirement of your prospective job position. For instance, if your employer hires you for a digital marketing position, but you also have graphic design experience, let them know about those skills.
Tip 4: Make Your Case
Use data to support your previous experience claims. The better your case is, the more reasonable your counteroffer will sound.
For example, you can explain that, as an engineer, you pioneered a project for your previous company that improved its efficiency by 50%.
Tip 5: Don’t Share Personal Details
Don’t share details about your personal life, like that you have to make a large car payment. It will come across as desperate and won’t sway your recruiter.
Lastly, thank your recruiter for their time and express that you are willing to negotiate.
Salary Negotiation Email Template
Dear (Hiring Manager Name),
I am honored to be offered the [job title] role at [company].
However, before taking up the opportunity, I would like to discuss the salary component. I’m a particularly good match for this position because [add 2-3 qualifications, skills, or past work achievements]. Moreover, according to my research, the average base salary for this position in [area] is $______.
I would be more comfortable if we could settle on $______. This amount reflects the current market rate based on my data sources (see attached) of the position and my overall qualifications.
Thank you again for your offer. I look forward to speaking with you.
Regards,
(Your Name)
Advantages of Salary Negotiation Through Email
Negotiating salary over email is a good option because it allows you to compose yourself and put your thoughts into a coherent counteroffer. Negotiating your salary face to face or over the phone can be awkward, leading to a stressful situation and bad decisions.
Moreover, you can take your time to do research, structure your points, and make drafts. You’ll also have a chance to revise the email draft and get feedback by sharing it with a friend or mentor.
Conclusion
Only 39% of professionals even try to negotiate their salary, according to a recent poll, yet most companies leave room for negotiation when they set the budget for a role. Don’t leave money on the table. Pathrise can connect you to an experienced professional for one-on-one negotiation support. We’ll help you get a 10%+ increase in salary, or else you get the service for free.
Negotiating your salary is unlikely to deplete the company’s resources or make whales go extinct. You don’t have to feel uncomfortable. Connect with a professional negotiation Pathrise consult today for a free consultation worth $500. Space is limited.
Apply today.
