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Counter Offer Letter

A Counter Offer Letter Template lets a job candidate or employer propose different terms than what was originally offered. Use this free, ready-to-edit letter to clearly state your requested changes and reasoning. Simply fill in the blanks, download, and send it in minutes.

What Is a Counter Offer Letter and When Should You Use One?

A Counter Offer Letter is a written response sent when someone wants to propose different terms than what was originally offered, most commonly used by a job candidate who wants a higher salary, better benefits, or a different start date than what appeared in their job offer letter. It can also work the other way, with an employer sending one to a current employee who's resigned, offering improved terms in hopes they'll stay instead of leaving. Either way, putting the proposed changes in writing keeps the negotiation clear and gives both sides something specific to respond to.

Why Download a Template Instead of Writing One From Scratch

Finding the right tone for a counter offer can be tricky, since you want to come across as confident and reasonable without risking the relationship or the original offer altogether. A ready-made template already strikes that balance, with space to reference the original offer, state exactly what you're proposing instead, and explain your reasoning briefly, so you're filling in specifics rather than wrestling with how direct or soft to make the ask.

Who Typically Needs This Counter Offer Letter Template

Job candidates who've received an offer but want to negotiate salary, benefits, or start date are the main users, along with current employees responding to a raise or promotion offer that falls short of their expectations. Employers also reach for a version of this letter when trying to retain a valued employee who has announced they're leaving, hoping better terms will change their mind.

How to Complete This Counter Offer Letter Correctly

Start with your name and the recipient's name, plus the date and a reference to the original offer you received. State clearly that you're grateful for the offer before explaining what specific terms you'd like adjusted, whether that's salary, start date, benefits, or another detail. Add a brief, reasonable explanation for your request, such as market rate research or competing offers, without over-justifying. Close by expressing continued interest in the role or relationship and inviting further discussion. Sign it and send it to the appropriate contact, whether that's HR, a hiring manager, or an employee.


How to Use Agreed Templates

Start With the Template

Open the Product Agreement Template in your Agreed workspace and begin with a ready-to-use agreement structure.

Customize Agreement Details

Add or edit product details, responsibilities, pricing, deliverables, timelines, and other terms to match your agreement needs.

Review, Sign & Manage

Send the agreement for review and approval, collect signatures, and manage the completed agreement securely in Agreed.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Everything you need to know about Agreed. Can't find what you're looking for?

Generally no, most employers expect some negotiation and won't withdraw an offer just because a candidate asks for better terms, as long as the request is reasonable and professionally worded.

Backing up the request with market rate research, relevant experience, or a competing offer, if you have one, gives the employer something concrete to consider rather than just a general ask for more money.

Yes, this is common when a company wants to retain a valued employee, offering a raise, promotion, or other improved terms in hopes they'll reconsider leaving, though the employee isn't obligated to accept.

It's reasonable to decide whether to accept the original terms as offered or decline the opportunity altogether, and either way, responding politely helps preserve the professional relationship going forward.

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