Salary Negotiation Template
Proven salary negotiation scripts for three scenarios: requesting a raise, negotiating a new job offer, and discussing a promotion. Each includes research frameworks, talking points, and email templates.
Requesting a Raise
Best for: current employees who have demonstrated measurable impact
Opening: "I'd like to discuss my compensation. Over the past [time period], I've taken on [new responsibilities] and delivered [specific results]."
Evidence: "Specifically, I [achievement 1 with metric], [achievement 2 with metric], and [achievement 3 with metric]."
Market data: "Based on my research, the market rate for this role with my experience is $[range]. I'm currently at $[current], which is below the [Xth] percentile."
The ask: "I'd like to discuss adjusting my compensation to $[target amount], which reflects both my contributions and the market rate."
Negotiating a New Job Offer
Best for: candidates who have received a written offer and want to negotiate terms
Email Subject
Re: Offer for [Role Title] - Discussion
Thank you for the offer for [Role Title]. I'm genuinely excited about joining [Company] and contributing to [specific initiative].
After reviewing the offer and researching market compensation for this role, I'd like to discuss the base salary. Given my [X years] of experience in [relevant area] and the value I'll bring from [specific skill/experience], I was hoping we could explore a base of $[target amount].
I'm flexible and open to discussing the total compensation package. Would you have time to connect this week?
Promotion Discussion
Best for: employees already performing at the next level who want formal recognition
Frame it as mutual benefit: "I'd like to discuss my career trajectory. Over the past [period], I've been operating at the [next level title] level by [specific examples]."
Show alignment: "Formalizing this would allow me to [take on more responsibility/lead larger initiatives], which directly supports the team's goals of [team objective]."
Request specifics: "I'd like to move to [Target Title] with a compensation adjustment to $[amount]. What would the path look like to make this happen?"
How to Use These Templates
Research market rates
Before any negotiation, know what the market pays. Use Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, and industry reports. Data is your strongest leverage.
Document your impact
List every achievement with quantifiable metrics: revenue generated, costs saved, efficiency improved. Specific numbers beat vague claims.
Practice the conversation
Rehearse out loud with a friend or mentor. Practice handling pushback. The more comfortable you are with the script, the more confident you will sound.
Follow up in writing
After any verbal agreement, send a follow-up email summarizing the discussion and agreed-upon terms. Get everything in writing before celebrating.
Customize in Dewx
Inside Dewx, tell Dew: "Draft a salary adjustment letter for [Employee] based on their performance review." Dew references performance data, market benchmarks, and company compensation bands to generate a fair and well-justified adjustment letter. Track compensation history across your entire team in OPS Hub.
Related Templates
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to negotiate salary?
The best times are during annual performance reviews, after completing a major project, when taking on new responsibilities, or when you receive a competing offer. For new roles, negotiate after receiving a written offer but before signing. Never negotiate during company layoffs or budget cuts.
How much should I ask for in a salary negotiation?
Research market rates on sites like Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, and Payscale. Aim for the 60th-75th percentile for your role, experience, and location. For raises, 10-20% is reasonable if you can demonstrate outsized impact. Always anchor high because the final number will typically be a compromise.
What if my salary negotiation is rejected?
Ask what you would need to achieve to earn the requested amount. Get specific milestones in writing with a timeline for review (typically 3-6 months). Also negotiate non-salary benefits: remote work, extra PTO, professional development budget, title change, or equity.
How does Dewx help with salary and HR processes?
Dewx OPS Hub manages compensation planning, performance reviews, and employee records. Dew can draft salary adjustment letters, model compensation scenarios across teams, and generate market benchmarking reports to ensure fair and competitive pay.
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