What method do you use when you want to talk about an important issue with a colleague? Chances are you head straight to email. For most people, an email is the go-to tool that helps us tap out our thoughts, feelings, and demands within minutes.
If you're tempted to use email in response to a salary proposal, you're not alone. Your fingers might itch to respond, especially if that offer came to you via email in the first place!
In some cases, email isn't always the right format for this delicate conversation. And if you decide to lean on email, you'll need to follow a few basic guidelines to make sure you get the money you want — and deserve.
Why You Should Negotiate
Let's get one thing out of the way first. Yes, you should always negotiate your salary. While universally this is considered a challenging conversation for most people — especially introverts — salary negotiations inordinately affect women, who suffer from a gender wage gap. A frank conversation about money doesn't make your hire less likely. Instead, your financial talk helps you fight for what you're worth, and it could make you look even better to a prospective employer.
Don't believe it? Let's dig into the data.
In a 2019 study, 70% of managers said they expect some type of salary negotiation as they move through the hiring process. While some of these managers weren't willing to budge on the hard compensation numbers, they did have negotiating power concerning non-financial benefits (more on that in a bit).
If bosses expect that the salary they toss out is just a starting point, why should you consider the conversation closed? For some, asking for a better compensation package means seeming:
Rude
Pushy
Ungrateful
Unlikeable
The opposite is true, research suggests.
In a 2018 study, 19% of recruiters said a salary negotiation made them feel better about an applicant. Those who asked for more seemed assertive, confident, and a better hire all around.
Email vs In Person Salary Negotiation
You certainly can negotiate a better salary via email, and many people do just that. However, when money is on the line, there are also times when it pays to step away from the keyboard and bring this conversation face-to-face.
Email is better if you:
Live far from the office. It's relatively rare for people to move for work. According to Allied, less than 20% of Americans have ever relocated for a job. But if you're in a different state or time zone from your search committee, it's almost impossible for you to hold a salary talk in person. You might even struggle to discuss things on the phone. For you, email is a safe and solid bet.
Are somewhat pleased with the offer. If your salary proposal comes in at or close to the level you want, you should still negotiate, because maybe you'll get something better, but there's less on the line. If the employer doesn't budge, you remain happy. This is a low-risk conversation for email.
Struggle to think on your feet. There's no shame in dreading difficult conversations, and for most of us, financial issues can leave us tongue-tied. If you're sure you'll say the wrong thing or capitulate too quickly if you talk on the phone or in person, then it would definitely work in your advantage to hold the chat via email.
In person is better if:
The offer isn't at all close to your expectations. You have a lot of ground to cover in a scenario like this, and if you start the conversation via email, you're doomed to endless back-and-forth with your employer. Each delay could mean reconsidering your candidacy. This is a conversation you should hold in person.
There's a time crunch involved. Some employers need to fill their open positions immediately, and they just don't have time to get into long, tangled conversations with applicants. A call could straighten things out quickly, and it might be a better option.
Sales are second nature to you. What might come across as a natural negotiation in person can seem pushy and demanding in print. If you thrive in real-time conversation, skip the email.
Email Negotiation Best Practices
You've decided that email is the best format for your salary talk. What should happen next?
Craft your letter with care, so you're sure to make a good impression. Unlike conversations, which last only as long as both people are talking, email messages can persist forever, and they can be shared with outsiders. It makes sense to take your time and proceed with caution.
Salary negotiation email tips:
Cite your research. Dig into common salary ranges in your field. Find out how much the pay changes across the country. If it feels natural to you, pop those numbers into your message.
Outline your successes. Demonstrate why you're worth the extra money. Outline how much money you brought to a former employer, how much productivity increased under your watch, or some similar metric that's meaningful in your industry. Those hard numbers could sway the reader in your direction.
Remain positive. Write with the expectation that you'll get what you want. Tell your reader you're excited about the job and you're ready to get started as soon as this detail is cleared up.
Before you hit "send," ask a trusted friend, family member, or colleague to read what you've written. Get guidance on the basics, including spelling and grammar. You should try to get a second opinion on if you're walking a fine line between firm and accommodating.
Revise as often as you need until the tone is just right, but plan on responding to your offer within about 24 hours at the latest.
What Not to Do via Email
We've outlined a few things you should always do as you work on your perfect response. Just as there are things you must do, there are also things you should definitely try and avoid. Certain practices won't necessarily ruin your chances of getting a job, but you might kiss your hopes of a raise goodbye.
Make sure to avoid:
Making threats. This is a negotiation rather than an ultimatum. Never tell your prospective employer that you won't take the job unless you get what you want. Be open to what might come next.
Getting personal. No employer needs to know about your student debt, house payment, or credit card bills. Don't pull the pity vote by outlining hardship. Remain professional.
Discussing your current compensation package. Describing all of the wonderful perks of your current job makes a recruiter wonder why you want to leave. Focus on what you're worth, not what you're making now.
What If They Decline?
You've written the perfect message and you've received the dreaded reply that dashes your hopes and dreams. Don't panic. You still have room to wiggle, but you'll probably need to take this conversation offline. Call your recruiter or sit down to negotiate.
Ask about non-salary perks, such as:
A flexible schedule
Gym memberships
Company car
Extra vacation days
Enhanced health care coverage
Additional 401k contributions
None of these benefits translate into more zeros on a paycheck, but each of these benefits could make your job more appealing. If you can't get more money, these might be worth fighting for.
You can also craft a plan to get the salary you want. Detail specific targets you'd need to hit to renegotiate your salary. Focus on things like added sales, high customer satisfaction scores, more orders processed, or another number that's easy for your employer to measure. If you hit those metrics, it's time to talk about money once again.
Salary Negotiation Email Templates
What does a winning message sound like? These two templates give you a good place to start.
Negotiating Email Example #1
Dear [hiring manager's name],
I was so pleased to get your offer today. I can't wait to join your team and make a real difference for [company name].
I would like to discuss the compensation package. According to my research, people in my position in [city name] make an average of [$XX,XXX] per year, and top performers make much more.
Based on my performance with [previous company name], in which I [major accomplishment that brought the organization money], I feel that I'm a top performer.
Is there room to negotiate on the salary? If we can come closer to the number I've cited, I'd be happy to come on board right away.
I look forward to your response. You can respond via email, or you can call me at XXX-XXX-XXXX.
Thank you, [your name]
Negotiating Email Example #2
Dear [hiring manager's name],
Thank you for extending your offer to work at [company name]. I'm very excited to work with your team!
I reviewed the contract and would like to discuss my compensation package. On average, a [job title] in [city name] makes roughly [$XX,XXX] annually. Based on my performance with [previous company name], where I [major accomplishment that brought the organization money], and my ability to [unique skill that separates you from other candidates], I feel that I can be compensated within the local average.
Is there room to negotiate on the salary? If we can come closer to the number I've cited and can discuss additional non-salary perks, I'd be happy to finalize the process right away.
I look forward to your response. You can respond via email, or you can call me at XXX-XXX-XXXX.
Sincerely, [your name]
If you can't get a better salary at your current job
What If It Falls Apart?
A negotiation isn't always guaranteed to work. There are times when budgets, rules, and restraints keep companies from offering you the benefits package you want, but don't despair. Make sure to follow this helpful guide, and the next time you negotiate a salary, you'll have zero regrets.
If you can't get the salary you want from one job, we can help you continue hunting for the right role. We collect job listings from all across the internet, so finding the best job for you is easy. Visit our site to start your search today!
