Salary Negotiation Script | After Receiving a Job Offer
This post is part of a Career Advice series offering social-impact professionals salary negotiation templates to use throughout their careers. Find additional templates and resources in our newly-updated salary negotiation hub.
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When you receive a job offer, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new role and plans for onboarding. But before you sign that agreement, consider the total compensation package your potential employer just shared—does it live up to your expectations?
Negotiating a new salary isn’t just about asking for more money; it’s about recognizing your value and the skills and experience you bring to the table. After asking for a written version of the job offer and doing some research on the role, it’s time to jump into a salary negotiation.
Here’s a script for navigating the conversation, either over the phone with the hiring manager or via email:
“Thank you again for sharing a written version of the job offer you extended last week. I’m thrilled about the potential of joining your team!
Now that I’ve had a few days to review the offer, I am hoping we can discuss the base salary. Based on my research, I believe a salary in the range of [$X – $Y] is appropriate for this role.
As you know, I bring [X] years of experience in [department/field], as well as success with [specific skills, preferably calling out some impressive data points]. Based on our discussions during the interview process, I believe my background aligns well with the [specific project, goal, or need of the organization] and can bring a lot of value to the team.”
If the hiring manager seems open to negotiating, they’ll likely bring the numbers you provided back to their team for discussion. However, it’s possible that they are unable to meet your salary expectations, in which case you’ll need to decide whether to continue pursuing the position.
Don’t lose hope! This job may still be the right choice for your career, even if the salary is less than ideal.
Consider preparing a couple of alternative counter-offers that may sweeten the deal for you while staying within the organization's budget for the role. In addition to asking for additional benefits, ask whether the hiring manager can revisit the salary number after you’ve been in the role for six months; they’ll have the opportunity to see the value you bring to the team, and you’ll gain a clear understanding of what the work entails.
“I’m open to discussing how we might meet somewhere in the middle or explore other forms of compensation. In particular, I’d be happy to accept this job offer if [name of the organization] can commit to [additional benefits, such as flextime, a shorter work week, or remote work opportunities].
If not, it'd be great to know if you're open to revisiting this conversation after my first six months at the organization. I'd love the opportunity to show you how fast I can learn and apply my skillset to this role, as well as discuss implementing a salary update then. Can you let me know if that’s possible?”
At this point in the conversation, you should have a sense of whether or not the hiring organization will be able to offer you what you want. If they lowball you or refuse to offer alternative forms of compensation, then you may want to consider whether you’ll feel valued at the organization as an employee.
Remember, it’s your decision to accept the job (or not!); just make sure you’re informed and prepared for whatever step comes next.
I oversee the content and resources we share at Idealist to help organizations, prospective grad students, and job seekers make an impact in their personal and professional lives. In my spare time, I love to read, cook, and explore NYC's parks.