Salary Negotiation Scripts

Hi [MANAGER NAME],

I'd like to schedule some time to discuss my compensation. I've been in my role for [TIME PERIOD] and want to make sure my pay reflects my current contributions and the market.

Here is a quick summary of what I've accomplished since my last review:

- [ACCOMPLISHMENT 1 with specific numbers/results]
- [ACCOMPLISHMENT 2 with specific numbers/results]
- [ACCOMPLISHMENT 3 with specific numbers/results]

Based on market data from [SOURCE: Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, Payscale], the range for my role and experience level in [CITY] is $[LOW] to $[HIGH]. I'm currently at $[CURRENT SALARY], which puts me [below/at the lower end of] that range.

I'd love to discuss adjusting my compensation to $[TARGET], which I believe reflects both the market and the value I'm delivering. Would you have 20-30 minutes this week or next to chat?

Thank you for your time.

Best,
[YOUR NAME]

Hi [MANAGER NAME],

I wanted to have an honest conversation with you. I've been approached by another company and, after going through their process, they've extended an offer at $[AMOUNT] for a [TITLE] role.

I want to be straightforward: I love working here. I value my team, the work we're doing on [PROJECT], and the culture at [COMPANY]. My preference is to stay.

That said, the gap between my current compensation ($[CURRENT]) and this offer is significant enough that I need to take it seriously. I wanted to give you the opportunity to discuss whether there's room to close that gap before I make a decision.

I don't need an answer today, but I do need to respond to their offer by [DATE, typically 1 week out]. Could we find time to talk this week?

Thank you for understanding.

Best,
[YOUR NAME]

Hi [MANAGER NAME],

I'd like to discuss my growth path and how my current responsibilities align with the next level in our organization.

Over the past [TIME PERIOD], my role has evolved significantly. I'm now regularly:

- [RESPONSIBILITY 1 that's above your current level]
- [RESPONSIBILITY 2 that's above your current level]
- [RESPONSIBILITY 3 that's above your current level]

When I compare this to the [NEXT LEVEL TITLE] job description, there's substantial overlap. I believe I'm already operating at that level and would like to discuss formally transitioning to a [NEXT LEVEL TITLE] role with compensation aligned to $[TARGET RANGE].

I've put together a brief document outlining how my current work maps to the next-level expectations. Would you have time this week to review it together?

I'm committed to continuing to grow here and want to make sure we're aligned on the path forward.

Best,
[YOUR NAME]

Hi [HIRING MANAGER NAME],

Thank you for the update on the salary. I understand the constraints and I appreciate your transparency.

Since the base salary is set at $[AMOUNT], I'd like to discuss a few other elements of the package that could help bridge the gap:

- Sign-on bonus: A one-time bonus of $[AMOUNT] to offset the difference in my first year
- Equity/RSU: An additional equity grant of [AMOUNT/SHARES]
- Remote flexibility: [X] days per week remote or fully remote
- PTO: An additional [X] days of paid time off
- Professional development: A $[AMOUNT] annual budget for conferences, courses, or certifications
- Title adjustment: [PROPOSED TITLE] to better reflect the scope of the role
- Review timeline: A guaranteed compensation review at [6 MONTHS] instead of the standard annual cycle

I don't expect all of these, but even one or two would make a meaningful difference. Which of these might be possible to discuss?

Looking forward to your thoughts.

Best,
[YOUR NAME]