How to Negotiate Salary by Email (With Templates)

Practical framing, specific email templates, and what never to say during salary negotiation.

Negotiate with data, not feelings

Back your ask with market data from Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, or AmbitionBox for your specific role, city, and experience level. A specific revised figure with a reason (current CTC, market rate, competing offers) is far more effective than a general request to increase the offer. HR teams escalate concrete asks more easily than vague ones.

Make a clear, specific ask

State the exact revised CTC you are seeking — not a range, not a vague increase. Mention your current CTC, the offered CTC, and your revised expectation with a brief supporting reason. A clear ask is easier for HR to take to their manager than an ambiguous one.

Consider the full compensation package

Compare fixed pay, variable component (and whether targets are realistic), joining bonus, stock options, health insurance, work-from-home flexibility, notice period buy-out, and growth opportunities. The highest CTC is not always the best offer. Evaluate what matters most for your specific situation.

Keep the email concise

A negotiation email should be six to ten lines maximum. Thank the company for the offer, express genuine interest, state the market context, make the revised ask, and invite a quick call to discuss. Avoid lengthy explanations — brevity signals confidence and professionalism.