Salary Negotiation Scripts and Email Templates for Developers
Not sure what to say when negotiating? Here are scripts and email templates developers can use.
Salary Negotiation Scripts and Email Templates for Developers
Not sure what to say when negotiating? Here are scripts and email templates developers can adapt.
When Deferring the First Number
"Thank you for the question. I would like to understand the full scope of the role and the team before discussing compensation. Could you share the range for this position?"
When Giving a Researched Range
"Based on my research and experience, I am looking at a range of X to Y LPA for a role like this, depending on the full scope and total compensation package."
When Countering an Offer
"Thank you for the offer. I am excited about the role and the team. Based on my research and the scope of the position, I was hoping for something closer to X LPA. Is there room to move on the base salary or signing bonus?"
When You Have a Competing Offer
"I have another offer at X LPA that I am considering. I would prefer to join your team, and wanted to see if we can get closer to that number on the base or total package."
Email Template for a Written Counter
"Hi [Recruiter], thank you for the offer. I am excited about the role and the team. Having reviewed the full package, I was hoping we could discuss the base salary. Based on my research and the role's scope, I was hoping for around X LPA. Is there room to move on the base, or other parts of the package like signing bonus? Thanks, [Your name]."
When You Need Time
"Thank you for the offer. I would like a day or two to review everything and discuss with my family. I will get back to you by [day]."
The Takeaway
Use these scripts and email templates as a starting point. Adapt them to your tone and situation, keep them professional and specific, and always justify your ask with research or competing offers rather than weakness or apology.
'Thank you for the question. I would like to understand the full scope of the role and the team before discussing compensation. Could you share the range for this position?' This defers without capping your offer, and often gets the recruiter to share the range.
Thank them for the offer, express excitement, then state your research-based ask for the base or total package, and ask about room to move. Keep it professional, specific, and justified, not apologetic or vague.
Factually: 'I have another offer at X LPA that I am considering. I would prefer to join your team, and wanted to see if we can get closer to that number on the base or total package.' Be honest; do not invent a fake offer.
'Thank you for the offer. I would like a day or two to review everything and discuss with my family. I will get back to you by [day].' This is normal, professional, and signals you will review rather than accept on the spot.
'Based on my research and experience, I am looking at a range of X to Y LPA for a role like this, depending on the full scope and total compensation package.' Justify with research, make the bottom a number you would accept.
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