How to Write an Effective Counter Offer Letter

Counter Offer Letter | How-to, Example & Template | Resume.com

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Many people think receiving a job offer letter is the final step in securing a new position. However, negotiating for a better compensation package after receiving the offer is vital. An effective counteroffer is a great way to negotiate a compensation package and make a long-term difference in lifetime earnings. Learn what a counter offer letter is and how to write one. Review the template and example to prepare for your next negotiation.

What is a counter offer letter?

A counter offer letter is a formal document detailing the compensation package. It is almost always a response to an initial job offer from an employer. People can make counteroffers in person, over the phone, or through a letter. While all three methods have their benefits and disadvantages, a formal letter is often the best method for a counteroffer.

Benefits of a counter offer letter

Here are some of the most common benefits of a counter offer letter:

  • If you are nervous about negotiating in person, a letter allows you to present your requests thoughtfully.
  • You can revise and edit a letter until the tone and message are exactly how you want to present it.
  • A letter provides written documentation that you or the employer can access later if needed.

When you want to present a counteroffer to an employer, sending a formal letter is considered the most professional response.

What to include in a counter offer letter

Include the following elements in your counter offer letter:

  • Original offer
  • Counteroffer
  • Reasons and/or data to support your request
  • Restate your interest in the position

With an effective counter offer letter, most employers will continue compensation negotiations until you and the company are satisfied.

How to write a counter offer letter

Follow these steps to write an effective counter offer letter.

1. First, research appropriately

After you receive the company’s initial offer, research things like average salary and company benefits to prepare your counteroffer. Find data to support your counteroffer. For example, if the average salary is higher than what the company offered, state that in your letter.

2. Second, write an introduction

Begin your letter with an introduction thanking the company for their offer and expressing your interest in accepting the position. Keep the tone positive and free of emotional language.

3. Then, make the counteroffer

In the body of the letter, reference the original offer and then make your counteroffer. Use the data you researched to support your requests. Include your experience, education, and any other accolades that might bolster your counteroffer.

4. Next, conclude effectively

Conclude your letter with a restatement of your interest in the position. If you’re comfortable with it, mention that you would be happy to meet in person to further negotiate the compensation package.

5. Finally, prepare for the response

While you wait for a response from the company, consider what final compensation package you will accept. The company may agree to some parts of your counteroffer, not all, or they may counter themselves with an entirely different offer. Know what you’re willing to accept ahead of time.

Counter offer letter template

Use this counter offer letter template to help you write your next counter letter offer.

Subject line: [Your name] – [Job offer]
Dear [Contact’s name],

Thank you for speaking with me on [date of the job offer]. I am excited about the job offer and the opportunity to work as [job position] for [company name].

After reviewing the proposed compensation package of [compensation package], I would like to counter with the following:

  • [#1 request]
  • [#2 request]
  • [#3 request]

I arrived at this package based on [research] and my [number of years] of experience in the field. Let me know if this is acceptable.

I appreciate the time you’ve taken thus far to meet with me. [company name] sounds like a great fit, and I am excited about the prospect of working there. I would be happy to meet in person to further discuss the compensation package.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Counter offer letter example

Here is an example counter offer letter.

Subject line: Pat Westerly – Bookkeeper Job Offer
Dear Ms. Smith,

Thank you for speaking with me last Friday. I am excited about the job offer and the opportunity to work as a bookkeeper for Jackson Plumbing.

After reviewing the proposed compensation package of $41,000 annually with 10 days of PTO per year, I would like to counter with the following:

  • $45,000 annually
  • An additional four hours of PTO per pay period

I arrived at this package based on the average salary for bookkeepers in Georgia and my 10 years of experience in the field. Though the salary may be relatively fixed, I am open to more PTO or other benefits in place of higher take-home pay. Let me know if this is acceptable.

I appreciate the time you’ve taken thus far to meet with me. Jackson Plumbing sounds like a great fit, and I am excited about the prospect of working with there. I would be happy to meet in person to further discuss the compensation package.

Sincerely,
Pat Westerly

Tips for writing a counter offer letter

Here are some tips for writing an effective counter offer letter:

  • Provide a reason. Explain why you think you deserve the additional compensation. Be clear, specific, and make the request without emotional language.
  • Consider all the benefits. If the company cannot increase the salary, consider other benefits like PTO, working from home, or other perks the company might offer.
  • Be honest. Make sure you are honest in your negotiations. If you are citing statistics like average salary for the area or years of experience, make sure you use accurate data.
  • Ask all at once. Make your counter offer requests in a single letter. For example, if you are looking for a higher salary and more PTO, ask for both items now rather than two separate negotiations.
  • Be reasonable. You want to maintain a positive relationship with the company, so make sure your request is reasonable and appropriate.
  • Edit and proofread. One of the benefits of writing a counter offer letter rather than negotiating in person is the ability to perfect the language. Edit and proofread your letter to make sure your message is clear, and your language is appropriate.
  • Make a request, not a demand. Be clear that you are asking for additional benefits, not demanding them. Remain open to further negotiation.
  • Include the original job offer. List the company’s initial offer in your counter offer letter. This way, if the receiver sends the letter to multiple people in the company for approval, those employees will have all the information they need in the letter.

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