Letter of negotiation for a job offer (Initial negotiations)

Negotiating a job package is potentially tricky, but you can keep things relatively simple with a good letter.

The real need for negotiation of a job offer is usually caused by salary issues. This happens when you know you can do better, and you really need to see a better offer.

Obviously, you're not trying to decline the offer. Make sure the employer knows that from the content of your letter.

Remember that all employment packages are based on budgets. By asking for a higher salary, or other benefits, you're asking the employers to rewrite their budget. Keep your feet firmly on the ground, in that regard.

The need is to properly express your expectations so the employer can understand the response to the job offer.

Stick to just saying what you mean. If you don't, they may come up with a 'solution' to a problem you don't have in reply.

The best way to negotiate is on very basic terms. Stick to concrete figures, and quantified benefits. If you don't clearly pin down what you want, it can be an own goal, and a serious one. It can look like it's more trouble than it's worth to negotiate with you.

Your letter should include:

Thanks for the job offer
A statement clarifying why you want to negotiate terms
Any questions requiring clarification of previous information
A statement qualifying any reservations you have about the package based on qualifications and experience, etc., if appropriate
A proposal of your terms
A statement saying you're prepared to listen to their counter offer

Extremely important - DO NOT, EVER:

Make an unreasonable proposal
Denigrate the employer's offer
Try and second guess the employer's reply
Ask for too much money, beyond a proven bandwidth

The example below includes several issues regarding a package. The letter is intended to give the employer an informed basis for negotiation, and spells out the writer's needs.

Example:

Personal letterhead

Addressee (Signatory of job offer letter)

Your reference
Contacts

Dear…

I refer to your letter of (date) offer of the position of (job description) for which I thank you. I'd also like to take the opportunity to thank you for your assistance throughout the application and interview process.

I regret to say that after examining the job package offer, I find that the remuneration and package benefits do not meet my needs.

I must apologize if I've misconstrued any prior information you gave me regarding these matters.

I am still keen to accept this position. However, for reasons of financial and family obligations, I would like to ask for consideration of alternative remuneration and benefits.

Specifically, my needs are:

Salary of not less than $140,000 per annum.
Full day care benefits.
Onsite parking 7 days per week.
Four weeks rostered annual leave.

I hope these requirements are within a reasonable level of expectation. I will be happy to consider any alternative offers you may propose.

Yours sincerely

Sign
Date

Disclaimer

Please note:

This text is intended for advisory and guideline purposes only.

Any business letter can become a legal document, so check your content properly before issuing.

Any executable or statutorily defined document should be checked for compliance with legal requirements, and you should seek legal advice regarding its contents.