Counter offer job letter template

When you receive a job offer that doesn’t meet your expectations, crafting a counter offer letter is an effective way to negotiate for better terms. Instead of accepting the initial offer or rejecting it outright, a well-crafted counter offer shows your interest in the role while asserting your value and needs. Follow these key steps to create a strong and professional counter offer.

Begin with expressing gratitude for the job offer. Acknowledge the opportunity and the time spent reviewing your qualifications. This sets a positive tone and reinforces that you are eager to work with the company. Then, clearly state the terms you’d like to adjust–whether it’s salary, benefits, work schedule, or other conditions. Use specific figures and examples where possible to make your case compelling.

Be respectful and professional throughout the letter. Avoid sounding confrontational or demanding. Instead, frame your request as a way to ensure mutual satisfaction and long-term success. Highlight how your skills and experience align with the company’s goals, and explain why the adjustments you’re asking for are reasonable given your expertise and market standards.

End with a polite closing, expressing your enthusiasm about reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. Reaffirm your desire to contribute to the company’s success. Keep the letter concise, clear, and focused, ensuring that all points are addressed without over-explaining or repeating yourself.

Here’s a revised version, based on your requirements:

Adjust the language to reflect your appreciation for the offer while clearly expressing your concerns. Maintain a tone that shows your enthusiasm for the opportunity, but without making hasty concessions. Below is a sample template you can personalize.

Subject: Counter Offer – [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Thank you again for the offer to join [Company Name] as [Job Title]. After reviewing the terms, I am excited about the potential to contribute to the team and bring my skills to the role. I am confident that my background and experience will align well with the company’s goals.

However, I would like to discuss a few points regarding the offer before moving forward:

• Salary: Given my experience in [relevant field], I believe a salary of [desired amount] would better reflect my expertise and the value I would bring to [Company Name].
• Vacation time: I would appreciate the possibility of [additional time off] to help maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Remote work options: Considering the current work environment, I would prefer to have the option to work remotely [x days per week].

These adjustments will allow me to fully commit to the role and bring my best to the team. I am excited about the opportunity and hope we can come to an agreement that works for both of us.

Looking forward to your response and hoping to finalize the details soon.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

1. Counter Offer Job Letter Template

When responding to a job offer with a counteroffer, clarity and professionalism are key. Start by expressing gratitude for the original offer, then make sure to outline your counter terms concisely. Here’s a practical structure to follow:

Subject: Counter Offer for [Your Job Title] Position

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Thank you for extending the offer for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I appreciate the opportunity and am excited about the potential to contribute to your team. After carefully reviewing the details, I would like to discuss a few points regarding the compensation package.

Given my [X years of experience/skills in specific areas/qualifications], I believe an adjustment to the salary would more accurately reflect my contributions. I am seeking a base salary of [desired amount], which aligns with my industry experience and the value I bring to your organization. Additionally, I would appreciate a review of the benefits package, particularly [mention any benefits you wish to adjust, such as health insurance, paid time off, etc.].

I am enthusiastic about the possibility of joining [Company Name] and believe we can come to an agreement that works for both of us. I look forward to your response and hope we can move forward to finalize the terms.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

How to Address the Employer in a Counter Offer Letter

Begin by using a formal salutation. Address the employer by their proper title, such as “Dear Mr. [Last Name]” or “Dear Ms. [Last Name].” If you are unsure about their gender, use their full name (“Dear [Full Name]”). This sets a professional tone and shows respect.

Personalize the Greeting

While it’s important to be formal, try to personalize the greeting based on your relationship with the employer. If you’ve communicated frequently or have a less formal relationship, you can adjust the tone accordingly, but always err on the side of professionalism.

Use the Company Name Appropriately

In some cases, you may choose to reference the company in your opening. For example, “Dear Mr. Smith at XYZ Corp.” This approach adds a personal touch while maintaining professionalism, especially if your counter offer relates to a specific project or department.

Detailing the Reasons Behind Your Request for a Counter Offer

Clearly explain why you are requesting a counter offer. Your reasons should be based on specific and tangible factors that highlight the value of staying with your current employer. Be honest and direct to avoid misunderstandings.

1. Compensation and Benefits

• Compare the salary, bonus structure, and benefits package of the new offer with your current one. If the new offer presents a financial advantage, make sure your current employer understands your need for a competitive compensation adjustment.
• Include other benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, or stock options if they are significantly better in the new offer. This will give your employer clear grounds to consider a matching counter offer.

2. Career Growth Opportunities

• Discuss the career advancement opportunities you have in your current role versus what the new offer provides. If the new job offers faster or better career progression, explain how staying at your current company could also offer similar growth with the right adjustments.
• Request additional training, mentorship, or leadership opportunities that will align with your long-term career goals.

3. Work-Life Balance and Flexibility

• If work-life balance or flexible working hours are important to you, highlight these factors. Compare the flexibility in both offers and state how essential this balance is for maintaining your productivity and well-being.
• If the new offer provides more flexibility (e.g., remote work options), consider negotiating a similar arrangement with your current employer.

4. Job Satisfaction and Company Culture

• If you enjoy the company culture and feel aligned with your current team, emphasize this. Make it clear that the work environment and your relationships with colleagues are significant reasons you want to stay.
• Share any positive feedback from your current role that keeps you motivated and engaged, making it clear that a counter offer would strengthen your commitment to the company.

Negotiating Terms: How to Specify Desired Changes

Be direct and clear about the changes you want to make. Start by identifying the key areas where the current offer does not meet your expectations, such as salary, benefits, work schedule, or job responsibilities. Specify your desired terms with concrete numbers or details, making sure to explain why these adjustments are necessary. For example, if you’re asking for a higher salary, provide a reason such as your experience, market rates, or competing offers.

1. Provide Justification

When requesting changes, back up your reasoning with facts. Whether it’s research on industry standards or a breakdown of your past contributions, your justification adds weight to your request. This shows that your proposed terms are reasonable and based on relevant data, not arbitrary preferences.

2. Be Open to Discussion

While specifying changes, keep the tone open and flexible. Acknowledge that there might be limitations and express a willingness to work together to find a mutually beneficial solution. Showing that you’re open to dialogue builds goodwill and increases the likelihood of finding common ground.

Proposing a Reasonable Timeline for the Employer’s Reply

Specify a clear but flexible timeline for when you expect the employer to respond. Aim for 5-7 business days to give them enough time to review your proposal while keeping the process moving. This helps maintain momentum and shows respect for both parties’ time. If the timeline is too tight, the employer might feel rushed; if it’s too long, it can lead to unnecessary delays.

Be Transparent and Considerate

It’s helpful to express that you understand they may need some time for internal discussions. Mention that you’re happy to accommodate their schedule within reason, but emphasize that timely feedback will help you make a well-informed decision.

Offer a Follow-Up Option

Include an option for a brief follow-up if no response is received by the proposed date. This can be a simple, non-demanding message asking for any updates. A polite nudge shows you’re interested without seeming impatient.

Finalizing the Letter with a Professional Closing

Finish your counter offer letter with a polite yet assertive closing statement. Avoid using generic phrases like “looking forward to hearing from you,” as these can sound too vague. Instead, express genuine appreciation for the opportunity and your excitement about the potential to contribute. A clear, professional close will leave a positive impression.

Recommended Closing Statements

Here are a few options you can consider when concluding your letter:

Closing Statement	Purpose
“Thank you for considering my counter offer. I look forward to discussing how we can move forward together.”	Professional, conveys optimism about the negotiation.
“I appreciate your time and attention to this matter. I am excited about the opportunity to join your team.”	Polite, showing eagerness to move ahead.
“I am confident that my skills will bring value to the role and look forward to our continued conversation.”	Self-assured, reinforces the value you bring to the position.

Signature

End your letter with a respectful sign-off such as “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Kind regards,” followed by your name. This maintains a professional tone and ensures clarity in the correspondence. Keep your signature simple but polite, showing confidence without overemphasizing your position.

Responding to a Job Counter Offer: Key Steps

When you receive a counter offer, it’s important to assess it carefully. Your response should be clear and decisive. Here’s how you can structure your reply:

1. Express gratitude: Start by thanking the employer for the offer. Acknowledge the time and effort they’ve taken to review your request and present the counter offer.
2. Address the terms: Clearly state which aspects of the offer you accept or reject. Be direct and specific about the salary, benefits, or other terms that were adjusted.
3. Explain your decision: If you choose to decline, provide a brief explanation of why the counter offer doesn’t meet your needs or expectations. Be polite and professional in your reasoning.
4. Keep it positive: Regardless of your decision, maintain a positive tone. If you decline, express appreciation for the opportunity to work with the company and indicate your hope to stay in touch.
5. Confirm next steps: Conclude your response by confirming your decision and, if applicable, outline any next steps, such as returning documents or arranging an exit strategy if you’re leaving.

Sample Response Template

• Thank you for the generous counter offer and for taking the time to address my concerns.
• After careful consideration, I have decided to accept your new terms and look forward to discussing the next steps with you.
• If declining: Although I appreciate the offer, I have decided to pursue another opportunity that aligns more closely with my long-term goals. I am grateful for your understanding and the chance to work with you.