# How do I counter a job offer professionally? > Counteroffer · Answers · offer > Source: https://trycounteroffer.com/answers/how-to-counter-job-offer **Short answer:** Counter a job offer professionally by responding in writing within 24-72 hours with specific asks anchored to peer comp data, framed collaboratively rather than adversarially. Bundle 2-3 priorities into one revision request rather than haggling line by line. Use phrases like 'to align with peer practice' instead of 'this is too low'. Most recruiters expect a counter and have internal authority to move on key items. ## On this page - [The counter email template](#the-counter-email-template) - [Phrases that work](#phrases-that-work) - [Phrases to avoid](#phrases-to-avoid) - [How to handle pushback](#how-to-handle-pushback) - [The final move](#the-final-move) ## The counter email template Subject: [Role] offer review and proposed adjustments > Hi [Recruiter], > > Thank you for the offer for [Role] at [Company]. I'm excited about the team and the opportunity. After reviewing the offer letter and equity documents carefully, I wanted to come back with a few items to discuss before signing. > > First, on equity: based on Pave and Levels.fyi data for [Role] at [Level] in [Location] at a [Stage] company, the median grant size is approximately [X units / $X value]. The current offer at [Y] is at the [Nth] percentile. To align with market, I'd like to request an adjustment to [X target]. > > Second, on annual equity refresh: I'd like to add language committing to an annual refresh grant equal to no less than 25% of the initial grant value, subject to performance review. This aligns with retention practice at [Stage] companies and represents the long-term commitment we're both making here. > > Third, on severance protection: at this level, I'd like to add severance equal to [6 months / 9 months / 12 months] of base salary plus target bonus on termination without Cause or resignation for Good Reason. Good Reason to include material reduction in title, base, target bonus, or relocation greater than 50 miles. > > I'd be happy to walk through any of these on a call. Looking forward to closing this out. > > Best, > [Your name] This template works because: - It opens with appreciation, not adversarial framing - Each ask cites specific peer data or a clear rationale - Asks are bundled (one revision request, three items) not enumerated as demands - Counter language is concrete enough that the recruiter can paste it into the offer letter directly - It closes with a clear next step ## Phrases that work Adopt these patterns: - "To align with peer practice at [stage/level]" - "Based on [Pave/Levels/Carta] data for [role/level/location]" - "I'd like to request an adjustment to [specific number]" - "Standard for this level under [comp framework] is [X]" - "Could we add language committing to [X]?" - "I want to make sure we're set up for long-term success" - "Happy to walk through any of these on a call" These phrases work because they reference external benchmarks (peer practice, market data) rather than personal preference, and they frame the conversation as collaborative. ## Phrases to avoid - "This is too low" (adversarial, no rationale) - "I'm worth more than that" (personal, no benchmark) - "Can you do better?" (vague, hard to action) - "I have another offer that's higher" (when you don't, this backfires) - "Take it or leave it" (signals you've already decided) - "I'm disappointed in this offer" (emotional, sets bad tone) - "Everyone else gets [X]" (peer comp is fine; "everyone" is hyperbole) These phrases either lack actionable content, set an adversarial tone, or signal weakness. ## How to handle pushback The recruiter's typical responses and how to handle them: **"This is the best we can do."** Try once more with a specific narrower ask. "I appreciate that. If the base isn't flexible, could we adjust the equity grant to [X] or add a refresh commitment of [Y]? Either of those would close the gap for me." **"Let me check with [the team/finance/the hiring manager]."** This is good. It means they're escalating. Wait patiently. Don't follow up for 3-5 business days unless time-sensitive. **"We need to know by [date] or the offer is rescinded."** Ask politely whether the date can move given the items under discussion. Most "deadlines" move when negotiation is in progress. If they hold the deadline firm, decide whether to accept current terms or walk. **"We don't negotiate offers."** Most companies that say this actually do. Ask: "I understand. Is there flexibility on any of the items I raised, even if base salary is fixed?" Often equity, sign-on, or start date are still movable. **Silence for several days.** Wait 5-7 business days, then follow up: "Hi [Recruiter], just checking in on the items from my [date] email. Happy to discuss timing if helpful." ## The final move When you've gotten everything you can get and the offer is meaningfully improved, accept clearly: > Thanks [Recruiter], this works for me. The revised offer with [list the changes] is good. Please send the updated offer letter and I'll sign and return promptly. A few things to verify before signing: - Every change you negotiated is reflected in the new offer letter - Equity grant docs match what was discussed - Sign-on bonus and clawback terms are spelled out - Start date is correct - Title and reporting line match what was agreed If anything is missing, flag it before signing. Once you sign, the leverage is gone. ## What to do next If you want a delivered analysis of your offer, with every negotiable identified and a counter email drafted ready to send the recruiter, we deliver one in 24 hours for $199. See [Offer Review](https://trycounteroffer.com/offer). --- ## Related answers - [How do I negotiate a job offer?](https://trycounteroffer.com/answers/how-to-negotiate-a-job-offer) - [What's negotiable in a job offer?](https://trycounteroffer.com/answers/whats-negotiable-in-job-offer) ## Get your contract reviewed If you want a delivered review of your specific document with cited authority and counter language, see https://trycounteroffer.com/offer. Last updated: Sun May 31 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) _Counteroffer is a contract analysis service, not a law firm. This page is informational, not legal advice._