How to negotiate a job offer in three emails

Almost every offer has some room in it, and almost every hiring manager expects a conversation. The risk of a polite, evidence-based negotiation is close to zero; the cost of not negotiating compounds for years. Here is a sequence that works in writing, where you can be precise.

Email 1: thank and ask for details

Reply within a day. Thank them, say you are excited, and ask for the full package in writing if you do not have it: base, bonus structure, equity details, pension, holiday, start date. Ask when they need a decision. Do not negotiate yet; you cannot negotiate what you have not seen.

Email 2: make one clear request

Once you have the details, ask for one thing, with a reason and a number. Base salary is usually the most flexible and the most valuable. Example: 'Based on the ranges I am seeing for this role and the scope we discussed, I was hoping for a base of £68,000. Is there flexibility to get there?' State the number you actually want, not a starting bid you expect to be cut.

• Keep it to three or four sentences.
• Reference market data or a competing offer if you have one, without bluffing.
• Reaffirm that you want to join; the message should read as collaborative.

Email 3: close

If they meet the number, accept in writing and thank them. If they come back with less than you asked but more than the original, decide whether the gap matters; you can ask for one non-salary item (extra holiday, a signing bonus, an early review) to close it. If they cannot move at all, ask about a compensation review after six months, get it in writing, and make your decision.

What not to do

Do not negotiate several items at once across several emails; it feels endless. Do not invent competing offers. Do not go silent for a week. And do not accept verbally and then reopen; negotiate first, accept once.

If you are asked for expectations early

In the first screen, give a researched range and ask about theirs. 'I am seeing £60–70k for this level; is that in line with your band?' Both sides learn something and nobody is anchored unfairly.