Email negotiations can be a little different when you aren’t physically sitting across the table from a hiring manager, but most of the same rules apply. If you’re new here, we suggest you check out our other blog posts about salary negotiation to get up to speed. However, this blog post will get you up to speed on the most important negotiation tips that apply to salary negotiation emails.
It can be nerve-wracking to ask for another form of compensation or a higher base salary, but most hiring managers actually expect you to negotiate. The initial salary offer is almost never the top of their budget, so don’t leave any money on the table before you work those negotiation skills. Confidence is key and since you already secured that job offer, you are more than halfway to the finish line. Congrats!
Follow these salary negotiation email tips and you are sure to bump up that initial offer to a more acceptable compensation package.
Research Average Salaries for the Role
Before you begin negotiations, you should research the average salary range for the position that you were offered in the location where you will be working. Some job postings will list an annual salary range in the job description or mention it during rounds of interviews, so you should already have a good idea of what to expect before you even receive an offer.
Fearless salary negotiation always begins with research to back up your requests, so make notes of the average salaries that you come across on Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or other job sites. Once you are armed with information, you will be able to recognize a below-average offer quickly and prepare a counter-offer in your salary negotiation email.
Know Your Compensation Expectations
After taking thorough notes on an acceptable salary range, you should weigh this against your previous company salary and your salary expectations. The employer might ask you what you were making in your last position and you should never lie, so it is best to have reasonable expectations. Make a list of your “must-haves” and be specific. Know what you want to ask for and know your bottom line.
Here are some forms of compensation to consider:
- Salary increases
- Healthcare packages
- Additional vacation days
- Retirement plans and 401(k) matching
- Flexible schedules and remote options
- Insurance plans
- Disability insurance plans
- Performance bonuses
- Bonus for relocation expenses, travel expenses, or additional expenses
- Tuition and professional development reimbursement
- Wellness programs
- Stock options
Once you have a list of your compensation expectations, you can begin to prepare your proposal for salary increases by backing up each request with your research and previous experience. When negotiating your compensation package, it is always a good strategy to ask for slightly more than what you want because the employer will probably offer less than your counter-offer or try to meet you in the middle.
If you are juggling multiple job offers, then you can use these offers to your advantage in negotiation. Read more: How to Handle Multiple Job Offers.
Writing You Salary Negotiation Email
Keep it simple and professional when you are formatting your salary negotiation email. If you received a job offer via email, then you can reply directly to that email and address the hiring manager or employer by name. Begin by thanking the employer and expressing excitement for the opportunity. Effective salary negotiation techniques always prioritize a sense of gratitude, understanding, and class, even when you are making requests.
After thanking the potential employer, you can begin the salary increase letter in your next paragraph by outlining the job offer details and the gap in your expectations. Explain what salary adjustments you are looking for based on your level of experience and research on average salaries. Then ask if the hiring manager would prefer to negotiate salary in person. If you are willing to accept more PTO days in place of an annual salary bump, then you can mention this, as well, or you can save it for the next round of negotiation.
Be firm and confident in your requests, but always close the email out with a third paragraph re-iterating your interest in the role and fondness for the company. After thanking the potential employer, you can close out the salary negotiation email with your first and last name. Lastly, read over the email two or three times to check for any spelling mistakes before hitting that send button.
Read more: How to Negotiate a Job Offer
If you are struggling with your salary negotiation skills, a staffing agency like FirstPRO can help. Our recruiters have years of industry experience assisting professionals and companies with job offers so we are a great resource for matters of compensation.
Check out our Recruitment Services and Contact Us today to be matched with a recruiter.
