Talking about money can feel uncomfortable. For many people, the moment you receive a job offer feels exciting, but it can also bring a wave of uncertainty. Should you just accept it? Should you ask for more? What if asking makes them think twice about hiring you? These are all normal thoughts. The truth is that negotiating is a standard part of the hiring process. Employers expect it, and the way you handle it can set the tone for how you are seen in your new role.
The good news is that negotiating does not require a long speech or a big explanation. Sometimes the simplest email is the most effective. Here is an example that shows how you can ask for more without overcomplicating it:
Hi [Name],
Thank you so much for the offer. I am really excited about the chance to be a [Job Title] at [Company]. With my background in supply chain and data analytics, I know I can bring best practices to the team while continuing to grow in this role.
With that in mind, would you be able to adjust the base salary to $163K?
Thanks again,
Liz
This short note is polite, professional, and clear. It expresses gratitude, shows enthusiasm, highlights value, and then makes a direct ask. No fluff, no essay.
Now let’s break down what is happening behind the scenes.
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- Offer: $143K
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- Range: $110K to $200K
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- Ask: $163K
Notice that the ask is within the published range. It is not an extreme number but it is still a meaningful increase from the original offer. This is exactly the type of positioning that works well. You are showing confidence while keeping the request realistic.
In this example, here are the reasons supporting the ask:
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- A competing job offer that was higher, which demonstrates market demand.
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- Deep expertise in supply chain that directly matches the scenarios this role will focus on.
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- A master’s degree that adds extra weight to the qualifications.
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- Special skills such as analytics and languages that give the candidate an edge.
What matters here is not just the reasons but the way they support the number. You do not need to write them all out in your email. What you do need is the confidence of knowing you can back up your ask if it becomes part of the conversation.
How You Can Do This Too
Think of your negotiation email as having four parts:
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- Say thank you. Always start by expressing gratitude for the offer and excitement about the role. This sets a positive tone.
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- Show your value. Share a quick sentence that connects your background to what the company needs.
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- Make the ask. State the exact number you are looking for. Do not ask if there is “room to negotiate.” Be clear.
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- Close politely. End with appreciation and leave the door open for further discussion.
Here is a fill in the blank version you can use:
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you so much for the offer. I am very excited about the opportunity to be a [Job Title] at [Company]. With my [specific experience, degree, or skills], I believe I can make a strong impact on your team.
With that in mind, would you be able to adjust the base salary to [$X]?
Thanks again for your consideration,
[Your Name]
Final Thoughts
Negotiation does not have to feel like a battle. It is simply a conversation where you are sharing the value you bring and asking for a fair number in return. Employers expect candidates to negotiate. In fact, many companies build wiggle room into their first offer.
The key is to keep your tone warm, your email short, and your request backed up by facts. That combination shows that you are both professional and confident.
If you do not ask, you will never know what was possible. A short message like the one above might be the difference between accepting an offer as is and starting your new role with the salary you truly deserve.
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