Talking about money during your job search can be uncomfortable. But in today's professional world, knowing how to write a salary negotiation email is crucial for career growth.
Whether you're considering a new job offer or seeking a raise, we'll walk you through crafting the perfect salary negotiation email. Keep reading to learn how to get results while keeping things professional.
Why Choose Email for Negotiations?
Email gives you a major advantage when discussing compensation. You can take your time crafting the perfect message, have documentation of the conversation, and avoid the pressure of real-time negotiations.
A well-written salary negotiation email also shows off your communication skills (something employers value highly). Before drafting your email introduction, let's explore exactly what makes these messages work and how to ensure yours stands out.
Key Elements of How to Write a Salary Negotiation Email
Your salary negotiation email needs the below essential components to succeed:
1. A clear subject line that grabs attention without mentioning salary.
2. Professional but warm greeting that sets the right tone.
3. Genuine enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity.
4. Specific salary request with solid research backing.
5. Concrete evidence of your value and past achievements.
6. Professional closing that invites further discussion.
7. Perfect timing in the negotiation process.
Pro tip: Check out our Nesco Employment & Compensation Guide guide first to understand current market rates for your role. This research will help you make a compelling case and ensure your request is reasonable within your industry and location.
Writing Your Email Step by Step
There are 7 simple steps for how to write a salary negotiation email you can follow. They are:
1. Do your homework: Know the market rates cold and gather specific examples of your achievements.
2. Time it right: Mid-week, during business hours works best for your salary negotiation email.
3. Keep it focused: 3-4 paragraphs max to maintain impact.
4. Be crystal clear: State exactly what you want without hedging.
5. Show your worth: Use specific examples and metrics.
6. Stay professional: At the same time, be personable throughout.
7. Lay out what’s next: End with clear next steps.
Don't forget to consider paycheck protection and other benefits as part of your overall compensation discussion. Having a comprehensive view of your total package strengthens your negotiating position.
Sample Salary Negotiation Email
Here's a proven salary negotiation email template you can customize:
Subject: Discussion Follow-up - [Job Title] Position
Dear [Hiring Manager],
Thank you for offering me the [job title] position at [company]. I'm genuinely excited about the opportunity to bring my creativity and team leadership skills to your growing department.
After carefully reviewing the offer and researching industry standards, I'd like to discuss the base salary. Given my track record of [proven outcome backed by statistical data you can claim], I would like to propose a base salary of [dollar amount]. This aligns with the market rate for professionals with my [#] years of experience and proven results.
I'm confident I can bring immediate value to [company], especially in [one responsibility of the job here] and mentoring junior team members. I'm happy to discuss how I can best contribute to the team's success.
Thank you for considering my request. Would you be available for a brief call this week to discuss further?
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Making Your Salary Negotiation Email Stand Out
When using salary negotiation email samples to write your own message, remember these key points:
1. Lead with genuine enthusiasm for the role and company
2. Back up your request with specific achievements and metrics
3. Keep the tone confident but collaborative throughout
4. Make it easy for the employer to say yes
5. Always maintain professionalism and positivity
6. Focus on value rather than personal needs
7. Be prepared for multiple rounds of discussion and questions.
Learning how to negotiate salary effectively takes practice, but these guidelines will help you craft an email that gets results. Remember, the goal is to create a win-win situation where both you and your employer feel good about the outcome.
Taking Your Career Forward
Knowing how to write a salary negotiation email is just one step in building a successful career. The key to success is approaching the conversation with confidence, preparation, and professionalism. Whether you're negotiating your first salary or seeking a mid-career raise, these principles will serve you well.
At Nesco Resource, we're passionate about helping professionals like you succeed. Founded in 1956, we've grown into a nationally-ranked staffing and workforce solutions company dedicated to transforming lives.
Every day, we connect talented candidates with opportunities that match their skills and goals, while helping employers find exceptional talent. Our deep experience in the employment landscape gives us unique insight into successful salary negotiations and career development.
Ready to take the next step in your career journey? Reach out to us today to achieve your professional goals with confidence and purpose.