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Salary negotiation can be a delicate topic for even the most skilled professionals, but it’s crucial for making sure you secure a compensation package that is commensurate with your skills and background. It can feel awkward to ask your hiring manager for more money but once you get past that initial discomfort, you will realise that advocating for yourself is immensely empowering.
Take a look at our top tips and salary negotiation email templates to increase your chances of salary negotiation success.
Related: 6 expert ways to negotiate your next salary
If you’re planning to send a salary negotiation email or write a salary increase letter to the hiring manager, follow these guidelines:
● Be clear and concise about what you want
● Be courteous but straightforward
● Back up your expectations with relevant average salary data and examples
● Invite further negotiations, but know your limits
For an initial salary expectation email, do some research to find out the average salary range in for your job/sector, and back up your request with a concise overview of your relevant skills and experience.
Dear (Name),
I am thrilled about the prospect of joining [Company] as [Position].
As requested, my expected base salary is ($_______). This amount is based on the average annual salary range of ($_______ to $_______) for this position, as well as [2–3 qualifications/skills or summary of major past achievements]. I’m open to further discussions about the base salary depending on other factors such as opportunities for career progression and training.
Thank you for getting in touch. I look forward to speaking with you further.
Regards,
(Name)
It’s not uncommon for companies to offer salaries that are below market average due to budget constraints or simply not having a good understanding of salary benchmarks for their sector. In this case, your email response should outline average salaries for the role based on your research, and reiterate your relevant skills:
I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work at [Company Name] as [a/an/the] [Position Title] and contribute to your team. With my [2–3 qualifications/skills or summary of major past achievements], I am confident that I will achieve great results for [Company Name].
Before I sign the offer, however, I would like to discuss base salary. According to my research, the average salary for similar positions in the [work location] area is in the [average salary] range. I would like to discuss the possibility of moving the offer closer to [proposed salary] in line with my skills and the requirements of this job.
Thank you again for your offer. I look forward to speaking with you again soon.
When you’ve received a job offer with higher pay from one company but would prefer to work with another potential employer (due to better job prospects, etc.), your salary negotiation email should clearly and concisely explain your position:
Thank you for offering me the position of [Position Title].
I’d like to discuss the base salary for this position before accepting your offer. Although [Company] is my first choice, I’ve received another offer with a higher base salary of ($______).
I’m very excited to join your team and would readily accept your offer if you could match this base salary. I understand that this figure may be above your planned budget, but I’m flexible and willing to find a solution that suits both of us.
Securing the salary you want is all about being armed with the right knowledge. Get insights into average salaries in Singapore as well as salary negotiation tips and more in our Singapore Salary Guide 2023.
Read more:5 reasons why a contract job is a smart career move15 job interview mistakes to avoidHow to write a follow-up email after a job interview
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