Salary Negotiation: The $15k Email Template

Most developers lose $100,000+ over their career simply because they didn't ask for $5k more in their first job. Base salary compounds. Your next raise is a percentage of your current salary. Your next job offer is often based on your previous salary. Negotiation is mandatory, and recruiters expect it. In fact, they often have a pre-approved buffer of $5k-$15k specifically for this purpose, hoping you won't ask for it.

Phase 1: The Pre-Emptive Strike (The Screen)

Early in the interview process, usually the first call, recruiters will ask: "What are your salary expectations?" This is a trap designed to categorize you.

The Winning Script:

This forces them to reveal their hand first. If they insist, give a broad range (e.g., "$100k - $140k") based on market data, but qualify it with "depending on the full package".

Phase 2: The Offer Received

They call you. "We'd like to offer you $100k!". Your heart races. You are relieved. You want to say yes immediately.

STOP. Do not say yes. Do not say no. Do not negotiate on the phone. Negotiation requires emotional detachment, which is hard to maintain on a call. You need time to calculate.

Say exactly this:

This buys you time, leverage, and allows you to craft a perfect email response. Silence is your friend here.

Phase 3: The Counter-Offer Email

Here is the exact email template that has generated thousands in raises. It works because it is polite, data-backed, and reaffirms your excitement. It frames the negotiation as "us vs the problem" not "me vs you".

Subject: Re: Offer for [Role Name] - [Your Name]

Hi [Recruiter Name],

Thank you again for the offer. I've spent the last day reviewing the details, and I remain incredibly excited about the opportunity to join [Company] and tackle [Specific Problem discussed in interview].

I've reviewed the package details. Based on my research and the current market rate for Senior React roles with my experience in [Specialized Skill, e.g., Next.js Performance], I was expecting a base salary in the range of $120k - $130k.

If we can move the base to $125k, I would be ready to sign immediately and withdraw my other applications.

I'm keen to make this work as [Company] is my top choice.

Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works: "Ready to sign immediately" is a powerful trigger for recruiters. They want to close the role. You are giving them a guaranteed close in exchange for money.

Phase 4: What if they say "No"?

If they say "We have no budget flexibility" (which is often true for large corps with strict bands), pivot to non-monetary levers. "Total Compensation" (TC) is more than just base salary.

• Sign-on Bonus: "I understand the constraints on the base. Can we bridge the gap with a one-time $5k signing bonus?" (Easier for them as it comes from a different budget bucket that doesn't recur).
• Equity/Stock (RSUs): "I'm bullish on the company's future. Can we increase the stock grant by 10%?"
• Review Cycle: "Can we write into the contract that we will review salary in 6 months instead of 12, contingent on performance goals?"
• Education/Hardware Stipend: "Can the company cover my AWS certification costs and a home office setup?"
• Vacation Days: "Can we add an extra week of PTO?"

Always end the conversation on a positive note. Even if you accept the original offer, the fact that you negotiated professionally raises your status in their eyes.