Counter Job Offer Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Today's Date]
[Employer's Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Employer's Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for offering me the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I am thrilled about the opportunity to join your esteemed organization and contribute my skills and expertise to [mention any specific projects or goals mentioned during the interview process].
After careful consideration and deliberation, I have decided to counter your job offer in order to better align the terms with my expectations and circumstances. I believe that the following adjustments will allow me to fully commit to the role and perform at my highest potential:
1. Salary:
While I appreciate the initial salary offer, I would like to request a salary of [Your Desired Salary]. This adjustment takes into account my qualifications, experience, and the current market value for similar positions in the industry.
2. Benefits:
I would like to discuss the possibility of additional benefits, such as an increase in the number of vacation days or flexible working hours. These adjustments will enable me to achieve a better work-life balance and enhance my overall productivity.
3. Signing Bonus/Relocation Assistance:
Considering the potential expenses associated with relocating or joining a new company, I would appreciate a [Your Desired Amount] signing bonus/relocation assistance to help with the transition.
4. Professional Development Opportunities:
I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to grow and learn within the company. I would appreciate your support in providing resources for attending workshops, conferences, or courses related to my professional development.
I want to reiterate my enthusiasm for the position and my eagerness to contribute to the success of [Company Name]. I believe that these adjustments will allow for a mutually beneficial working relationship.
I am open to further discussion and negotiation regarding the terms and conditions of the offer. Please let me know a convenient time for us to meet or schedule a call to address any concerns you may have.
Thank you again for offering me this exciting opportunity. I am looking forward to your response and the possibility of joining [Company Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Signature if sending a physical letter]
Professional Counter Job Offer Letter
Subject: Counter Offer for [Position Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for extending the offer for the position of [Position Name] at [Company Name]. I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to [specific project or department].
After careful consideration, I would like to discuss a few adjustments to the proposed terms. Specifically, I would like to request a salary of [Desired Salary] and a flexible schedule arrangement to better align with my experience and market standards.
I am confident that we can reach a mutually beneficial agreement and I look forward to your response. Thank you again for your consideration and the opportunity to be part of [Company Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Informal Counter Job Offer Email
Subject: Follow-Up on Job Offer for [Position Name]
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thanks so much for offering me the role of [Position Name]. I’m very enthusiastic about joining [Company Name].
I wanted to discuss the offer details briefly. I was hoping for a base salary closer to [Desired Salary] and possibly [any other benefit or flexibility request]. Please let me know if this is something we can work on—I’d love to make this work for both sides.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Heartfelt Counter Offer Letter
Subject: Counter Offer for [Position Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am truly honored to receive your offer for the position of [Position Name]. [Company Name] represents everything I have been looking for in a workplace, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.
After careful consideration, I would like to discuss the proposed salary and benefits. My request is for [specific salary/benefits adjustments], which reflect my experience and the value I hope to bring to the organization.
I am eager to find common ground and join [Company Name]. Thank you for your understanding and consideration.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Formal Counter Offer Letter With Detailed Justification
Subject: Counter Proposal for [Position Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for your offer for the [Position Name] position. I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of joining [Company Name] and contributing to [specific department/project].
After reviewing the offer, I would like to propose a base salary of [Desired Salary] and additional benefits such as [list benefits]. This request is based on my [X] years of experience, industry benchmarks, and the unique skills I bring to the role.
I believe that this adjustment will ensure a strong start and allow me to focus fully on contributing to the success of [Company Name]. I hope we can reach a mutually beneficial agreement and I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Quick Counter Job Offer Email
Subject: Counter Offer for [Position Name]
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thanks again for the offer for [Position Name]. I wanted to quickly discuss the base salary, and I was hoping for [Desired Salary]. I’m very excited about joining your team and believe we can reach an agreement quickly.
Looking forward to your reply.
Best,
[Your Name]
Creative Counter Offer Letter
Subject: Counter Proposal for [Position Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I’m thrilled by the offer for [Position Name] at [Company Name]. I see an incredible opportunity to make an impact and contribute to [specific initiative or project].
To ensure I can give my best, I propose a salary of [Desired Salary] and a slight adjustment in [benefit or schedule]. This will allow me to fully commit my skills and energy to achieving our shared goals.
I am confident this adjustment is fair and reflective of my value. I hope we can finalize the terms and I can start contributing to your team.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Serious Counter Offer Letter for Executive Role
Subject: Counter Offer for Executive Position [Position Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I appreciate the offer to join [Company Name] as [Position Name]. This position aligns perfectly with my career goals and expertise in [industry/field].
Given my experience and the strategic responsibilities of this role, I would like to propose a revised package: a base salary of [Desired Salary], performance bonuses, and [other perks]. These adjustments reflect both the responsibilities I will assume and current market standards.
I look forward to discussing this proposal and reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Email Counter Offer for Remote Work Flexibility
Subject: Counter Offer Regarding Work Flexibility
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for your offer for [Position Name]. I am very excited about joining [Company Name] and contributing to [department/project].
I would like to discuss the possibility of a flexible schedule or partial remote work as part of the offer. Additionally, a salary adjustment to [Desired Salary] would align with my expectations and experience.
I look forward to your thoughts and hope we can finalize an agreement soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Email Counter Offer Emphasizing Market Research
Subject: Counter Offer for [Position Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I appreciate the offer for [Position Name] and am very excited about the potential to join [Company Name].
After reviewing industry standards and market data for similar roles, I would like to propose a revised base salary of [Desired Salary] along with [benefits or bonuses]. This adjustment reflects my qualifications and ensures the offer is competitive.
I am confident we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement and I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
What is a Counter Job Offer Letter and Why Do You Need It?
A counter job offer letter is a formal or informal communication from a candidate responding to a job offer with proposed adjustments. Its purpose is to negotiate salary, benefits, work hours, or other terms. Using a counter offer letter demonstrates professionalism, allows for negotiation, and can help secure a package aligned with your experience and market value.
Who Should Send a Counter Job Offer Letter?
- Job candidates who wish to negotiate salary or benefits.
- Individuals receiving multiple offers and needing to clarify terms.
- Professionals with significant experience or specialized skills seeking fair compensation.
To Whom Should a Counter Job Offer Letter Be Addressed?
- The hiring manager who extended the offer.
- HR representative or recruiter managing the hiring process.
- Company executives for senior roles if appropriate.
- Always address the person who has authority to approve changes.
When Should You Send a Counter Job Offer Letter?
- Immediately after receiving the initial offer.
- Before accepting any terms, to maintain negotiation leverage.
- After evaluating the offer against personal expectations or market research.
- When needing adjustments in salary, benefits, or work arrangements.
How to Write a Counter Job Offer Letter
- Express gratitude for the original offer.
- Clearly state the points you wish to negotiate (salary, benefits, flexibility).
- Provide justification for your requests (experience, market research, unique skills).
- Maintain a professional and positive tone.
- Close with eagerness to join and request a response.
- Send via email or printed letter depending on formality.
Requirements and Prerequisites Before Sending
- Full understanding of the original offer.
- Research on market salary and benefits.
- Clarity on personal priorities and minimum acceptable terms.
- Professional tone and clear rationale for requests.
- Proofread to avoid errors or unintended tone.
Formatting Guidelines for a Counter Job Offer Letter
- Length: 1 page maximum, concise and clear.
- Tone: professional, polite, or heartfelt depending on context.
- Style: formal for executives, flexible for creative roles.
- Mode: email is acceptable, letter format for senior positions or formal negotiations.
- Structure: greeting, expression of gratitude, counter points, justification, closing.
Common Mistakes in Counter Job Offer Letters
- Failing to express gratitude before making requests.
- Demanding unreasonable changes without justification.
- Using informal or aggressive language.
- Forgetting to provide a rationale for counter requests.
- Sending the letter late, reducing negotiation leverage.
Tricks and Tips for Effective Counter Job Offer Letters
- Use data and market research to support your requests.
- Be clear but flexible, showing willingness to compromise.
- Keep a positive tone to maintain goodwill.
- Focus on mutual benefit, not just personal gain.
- Send promptly after receiving the initial offer.
Elements and Structure of a Counter Job Offer Letter
- Clear subject line (e.g., “Counter Offer for [Position Name]”).
- Greeting addressing the appropriate recipient.
- Expression of gratitude for the original offer.
- Detailed counter points (salary, benefits, schedule).
- Justification for proposed changes.
- Closing with enthusiasm and request for feedback.
- Signature (typed or handwritten).
After Sending a Counter Job Offer Letter
- Await response from HR or hiring manager.
- Be prepared for further negotiation or compromise.
- Keep communication professional and timely.
- Document all agreed changes in writing before accepting.
Pros and Cons of Sending a Counter Job Offer Letter
Pros:
- Potentially higher salary or improved benefits.
- Shows negotiation skills and confidence.
- Allows alignment of the job offer with your expectations.
Cons:
- Risk of offending the employer if requests are unreasonable.
- May extend the hiring process.
- Could be perceived negatively if not done tactfully.











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