How do I create a professional resume for free?

You can use ResumeGyani, a free resume builder, to create a professional resume in minutes. Choose from ATS-friendly resume templates and download your resume as a PDF instantly.

Are ResumeGyani templates ATS-friendly?

Yes! ResumeGyani provides ATS-friendly resume templates to ensure your resume is optimized for job application tracking systems.

Can I download my resume as a PDF?

Absolutely! ResumeGyani allows you to download your resume as a PDF with just one click.

Salary Negotiation

Salary Negotiation Email Template for Indian Professionals

Quick Answer

A salary negotiation email should express enthusiasm for the role, reference your research and value, state a specific counter-number, and request a discussion. Keep it professional, concise, and data-backed. Always negotiate within 24-48 hours of receiving the offer.

By ResumeGyani Career Experts

|17 February 2026

Email is often the preferred medium for salary negotiation in India — it provides documentation, allows thoughtful phrasing, and avoids the pressure of real-time conversation. Here are tested email templates for different negotiation scenarios.

Template 1 — Counter-Offer Email: 'Subject: Re: Offer Letter — [Your Name] for [Role] at [Company]

Dear [HR Manager/Recruiter Name],

Thank you for the offer for the [Role] position at [Company]. I'm very excited about the opportunity to contribute to [specific project/team/mission]. After careful consideration, I'd like to discuss the compensation component.

Based on my research of market rates for this role and experience level in [City] (referencing Glassdoor, AmbitionBox data), and considering the value I bring — particularly my [specific skill/achievement, e.g., 5 years of experience in microservices architecture and a track record of reducing system latency by 40%] — I was expecting a CTC closer to ₹[Your Target Number] LPA.

I understand there may be budget considerations, and I'm open to discussing the overall package structure, including joining bonus, variable component, or stock options that could help bridge the gap.

I'm very enthusiastic about joining [Company] and confident we can reach a mutually agreeable number. Would you be available for a brief call to discuss?

Best regards, [Your Name] [Phone Number]'

Template 2 — When Asked for Expected Salary (Email): 'Thank you for your interest in my profile. I'm very excited about the [Role] at [Company]. Regarding salary expectations, based on my research for this role in [City] and considering my [X years] of experience in [domain], I'm looking at a range of ₹[Lower]-₹[Upper] LPA. I'm flexible and open to discussing the complete compensation structure. I'd love to learn more about the role's scope and the team before finalizing numbers.'

Template 3 — Accepting After Successful Negotiation: 'Thank you for accommodating my request. I'm delighted to accept the revised offer of ₹[Amount] LPA for the [Role] position. Please share the updated offer letter at your convenience. I look forward to joining the team on [Date].'

Key Points to Remember

Email is preferred for salary negotiation in India — provides documentation
Respond within 24-48 hours of receiving the offer
Express enthusiasm before negotiating — you want the job
Back your ask with market data, not personal financial needs
State a specific number, not a vague 'I want more'
Offer flexibility on package structure if base salary is firm
Keep the tone professional and collaborative
Always request updated terms in writing before accepting

Pro Tips

Write the email, then wait 2-3 hours before sending — review with fresh eyes for tone and clarity

CC no one — salary negotiation should be between you and the HR contact only

If you're nervous about email, draft it and then request a phone call to discuss — the email becomes your talking points

Keep emails concise — under 200 words. Long emails signal indecisiveness, not thoroughness

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I negotiate via email or phone?

Email for the initial counter-offer (provides documentation and time to think). Follow up with a phone call if the email doesn't get a response within 2-3 days.

How soon should I respond to an offer?

Within 24-48 hours for acknowledgment. You can ask for 2-3 business days to evaluate the complete offer before making a counter-proposal.

What if they say the offer is non-negotiable?

Explore non-salary components: joining bonus, review timeline, variable pay, benefits, WFH flexibility. If truly nothing is negotiable, evaluate the role's learning and growth potential.