How to Counter a Job Offer (Scripts + Email)

8 min read · One ask, written first

You've got the offer email open and your stomach's doing that thing. The number's close but not quite there, and you're not sure if countering will tank the deal or if staying quiet means leaving money on the table. That's normal. Most people either don't counter when they should or send a kitchen-sink list that stalls goodwill.

Here's what actually works: one primary ask grounded in total compensation, written before you touch Accept in a portal. You don't need to be aggressive. You need to be specific.

Before you draft anything, check your resume for free if you're still in an active search. A strong file keeps your options open while you negotiate.

Below you'll get a prep checklist, base vs total-comp framing, email scripts, portal traps, and when to skip the counter entirely.

What should you counter: base salary or total compensation?

Base salary drives loans, lifestyle budgeting, and future raises. Bonus and equity add upside with risk. Signing bonuses are one-time. Counter the constraint that actually blocks you, not every line on the letter.

If base is below market but equity is rich, counter base while accepting equity, or ask for a signing bonus to bridge year one. If base is fine but remote days or PTO are weak, counter those terms instead of forcing a salary fight.

Comparing two packages? Use how to compare two job offers before you send either counter.

How do you counter a job offer step by step?

Work through this checklist in order. Each step should take minutes, not days.

Step 1: Read the full offer package

List every component and note the deadline. Check whether the offer arrived as a PDF email, DocuSign, or a Workday / Greenhouse portal letter. Portal offers include an Accept button, but you can still email the recruiter to negotiate before you click.

Step 2: Score base vs total comp

Decide your walk-away number and your happy number. The counter sits between them. Gather market context from the posted range or a real competing offer. Do not invent bargaining power you do not have.

Step 3: Pick one primary ask

Before: "I need at least 30% more or I walk."
After: "I am seeking $X base, which aligns with the top of your posted range and my scope; happy to discuss."

Step 4: Send a short email (or call, then email)

Before: Clicks Accept in Greenhouse, then emails a counter.
After: Emails the recruiter first; accepts in the portal only after terms are agreed.

Copy-paste block: counter offer email scripts

{`Script A (base): "Thank you for the offer for the Senior Analyst role. I am excited about the team and the scope. Based on the posted range and my experience leading forecast models, I am seeking a base of $X. I remain very interested and am happy to discuss how we can reach a package that works on both sides."

Script B (signing bonus): "I am prepared to accept at the stated base if we can include a signing bonus of $Y to offset my transition costs. Please let me know if that is possible."

Script C (non-salary): "Compensation is close. To accept, I would need [remote Fridays / two extra PTO days / a start date of Month Day]. Are any of those flexible?"`}
              

Step 5: Get revised terms in writing

Wait for a response. Avoid daily follow-ups. If they meet your number, ask for the revised Workday or Greenhouse offer letter and accept only after written terms match the conversation.

I've screened offers in Greenhouse where a candidate clicked Accept before emailing, and the revised letter took an extra week because the req had already moved to onboarding.

For keeping the relationship intact while you negotiate, see how to counteroffer without losing the offer .

When should you skip countering a job offer?

Do not counter if the recruiter already said the number is the top of the band and you still want the job. Ask about signing bonus or start-date flexibility instead, or accept.

Do not counter with a huge jump unsupported by data. Unrealistic asks stall goodwill. Do not bluff a competing offer. Employers sometimes ask for proof, and credibility loss hurts more than a modest base.

Do not counter if you would accept the current package tomorrow. Negotiation for its own sake wastes everyone's time, including yours if they say no and you hesitate.

Need more time before deciding? Use how to ask for more time on a job offer .

Before you sign anything final, run through the job offer checklist before you sign .

Which HireFlow tools help while you negotiate?

Negotiating from a strong application history helps. Run the free ATS checker so your file stays parse-clean if this role falls through or a better offer lands next week.

Some employers ask for a cover letter with the final acceptance. Draft one quickly via the cover letter generator once terms are agreed, so you are not scrambling the night before start date.

What to do after you send the counter

How to counter a job offer comes down to one clear ask, a short reason, and patience. Judge replies against your walk-away number, not your dream number. Many strong acceptances happen at the midpoint.

If they say no on base but offer a signing bonus, run the math for year one and year two. If the final package is below walk-away, decline politely and leave the door open.

Lock terms in the portal letter before you celebrate. Portal Accept is final. Negotiate first, click second.