What should you say when you receive a job offer?

Do not accept or counter immediately. The script: 'Thank you so much — I'm genuinely excited about this opportunity. I'd like to take 24–48 hours to review the full package before responding. Can I get back to you by [specific day]?' This buys time for research and removes the pressure of an on-the-spot decision. Never accept on the first call. Never counter on the first call without at least 24 hours of preparation.

What should you say when making a counter offer?

State your number, anchor to market and role scope — not personal need. Script: 'I've done my research on the market for this role and level, and based on what I've found — and the scope of what you've described — I was hoping we could get to [X]. Is that something we can work toward?' Do not explain why you need more money. Do not apologize. State the number and let them respond.

What do you say when they say the offer is final?

'I appreciate that — I understand there may be constraints. Given that, would there be flexibility on [signing bonus / equity / start date / title]?' Pivot to non-base levers. When the employer says 'this is our final offer,' it almost never is for every component of the package. The base may be fixed while signing bonus, equity refresh, or title is still negotiable.

How do you negotiate salary without losing the offer?

Negotiate professionally and specifically. A reasonable counter — 10–20% above the offer, anchored to market data — almost never loses an offer. Employers expect negotiation. The risk is not in asking — it is in how you ask. Unprofessional counters (ultimatums, repeated requests, emotional appeals) risk relationships. Specific, market-anchored counters do not.

Should you negotiate salary by phone or email?

Phone or video is preferred — it is harder to say no in real time and allows you to read the conversation. Email is acceptable and provides a written record. Never negotiate by text message. If the employer insists on email, use the phone script as your template and write it in a clear, professional tone.

Salary Negotiation

Salary Negotiation Scripts — Word-for-Word Templates

Most professionals leave $20K–$60K on the table because they do not know what to say. These scripts cover every stage of the negotiation — from initial offer response to final counter — with the exact language that works.

Get Negotiation Coaching Salary Negotiation Service →

★ 4.9/5 · $47K average salary increase · Former engineering hiring manager

The negotiation sequence

Step 1: Buy time — never accept or counter on the first call
Step 2: Research the market — anchor your counter to data
Step 3: Counter 10–20% above the offer — base, signing, equity
Step 4: Handle pushback — pivot to non-base levers
Step 5: Close professionally regardless of outcome

The scripts — word for word

Script 1: Receiving the offer

"Thank you so much — I'm genuinely excited about this opportunity and the team. I'd like to take 24–48 hours to review the full package carefully before responding. Can I get back to you by [specific day]?"

Never accept or counter immediately. This buys time for research without creating tension.

Script 2: Making your counter offer (phone)

"I really appreciate the offer and I want to make this work. I've done my research on the market for this level and the scope of what you've described, and I was hoping we could get to [your number]. Is that something we can work toward?"

State the number. Anchor to market data. Do not apologize. Do not explain personal expenses.

Script 3: Counter via email

"Hi [Name], thank you again for the offer — I'm very excited about joining the team. After reviewing the full package and researching the market for this role and level, I'd like to propose a base salary of [X]. I believe this reflects the scope of the role and aligns with what I've seen in comparable positions. I'm flexible on timeline and open to discussing other components of the package as well. Looking forward to making this work."

Script 4: Handling "this is our best offer"

"I appreciate that — I understand there may be constraints on base. Given that, would there be any flexibility on [signing bonus / additional equity / earlier performance review / title]?"

Pivot to non-base levers. The base may be fixed while other components are not.

Script 5: Asking for more time

"I'm very interested and I want to make a well-considered decision. Would it be possible to have until [specific date] to finalize? I want to make sure I can give you a confident yes."

Script 6: Accepting the final offer

"I'm happy to accept the offer as it stands. I appreciate the flexibility and the conversations — I'm genuinely excited to join. What are the next steps for onboarding?"

Close professionally. The relationship starts now. Express genuine enthusiasm regardless of how the negotiation went.

Script 7: Declining an offer

"Thank you so much for the offer and for the time your team invested. After careful consideration, I've decided to pursue another opportunity that is a closer fit for where I'm headed. I have a lot of respect for what you're building and I hope our paths cross again."

Get negotiation coaching before your next offer

Scripts help. Coaching helps more. Askia's salary negotiation coaching evaluates your specific offer against real market data, builds your counter strategy, and prepares you for every conversation. Average outcome: $47K increase.

Book a Free Strategy Call Salary Negotiation Service → How to Negotiate Salary →