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Salary negotiation email

A short, polite email to ask for a better offer or a raise, with the market figure and your reasons stated plainly. Fill it in, then copy or download.

Singapore and MalaysiaCite official pay dataNothing you type leaves your browser

Your situation

Find the market figure first: the median for your job in the Singapore or Malaysia salary pages, or your percentile.

Your email


          

        

      


      
Template you can copy

      
Thank them, name a figure, give the market evidence and one or two reasons, then leave room to talk.

      
Subject: [Role] offer – salary

Dear [Name],

Thank you for the offer for the [role] position. I am keen to join [company].

Before I accept, I would like to discuss the salary. The offer is [S$X] a month. Based on [market figure and source], and [reason 1], I was expecting closer to [S$Y].

[Reason 2.]

Would [S$Y] be possible? If the base cannot move, I would be open to discussing [sign-on bonus, earlier review, extra leave] instead.

I am happy to talk by phone this week. Thank you again for the offer.

Regards,
[Your name]


      
How to make the case

      
    
        
  • Use official figures. MOM and DOSM medians carry more weight than salary websites. Quote the figure, the job title and the date.
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  • Pick one number, not a range, when you counter. A range invites the bottom of it.
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  • Reasons are evidence, not needs. Qualifications, results and your current package count; rent and loans do not.
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  • Ask once, in writing, then talk. Most employers expect one round of negotiation.
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  • Have a fallback. A sign-on bonus, a six-month review, extra leave or training budget are easier to approve than base pay.
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  • Expected salary on forms: if a form forces a number, give your target, not your minimum.
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Common questions

      

        
Can the offer be withdrawn if I negotiate?
It is rare when the request is polite, specific and backed by evidence. An offer withdrawn over a reasonable question tells you something about the employer.

        
How much higher should I ask?
Anchor on the market figure for your job and experience, then add what your evidence supports. Asking 10% to 15% above the offer is common; far more needs strong reasons.

        
Should I reveal my current salary?
You do not have to. In Singapore, employers may ask, but you can answer with your expected salary and the market figure instead.