Tech World Software SchoolTWSS
0x50Lesson 6 of 10

Make the ask

Counter with enthusiasm, a specific number, and reasons.

20 min 5-question quiz
By the end of this lesson you can
  • Structure a counteroffer conversation.
  • Choose a specific, justified target.
  • Use silence and patience effectively.

Once the written offer is in hand, it is time to counter. A good counter is warm, specific, and grounded in reasons. You are not making demands; you are helping the recruiter - who usually wants to close you - build a case internally to improve the offer.

A structure that works

  1. Thank them and show enthusiasm: make it clear you want to join.
  2. State the gap and your reasons: competing offers, market data for the level, or the scope you bring.
  3. Ask for a specific number or change: “Could you get total compensation to 245,000?” rather than “Can you do better?”
  4. Pause. Let them respond; resist filling silence by lowering your own ask.
  5. Signal commitment where true: “If we can get there, I’m ready to sign this week.”

Working out a counter: on a total offer of 220,000, asking for 10% more means about 242,000. Rather than a percentage, say the number, and say what supports it.

Precise numbers such as 242,000 can come across as researched rather than arbitrary. Aim a little above what you would happily accept, so there is room to meet in the middle. Many people negotiate by phone for warmth and by email for clarity - a common pattern is to discuss by phone, then confirm in writing.

Practice: fix a weak counter

Try it

Up to 15 XP

Critique these counteroffer emails

These are real patterns that weaken a counter. Click the phrases that give away leverage, then check.

The apologetic email (round 1 of 2)Flags found 0/0

Click every suspicious section. There are 3.

Hi Sam, thanks so much for the offer. I’m so sorry to ask, and I hope this isn’t rude, but is there any chance you could maybe do a little better? I’d be fine with whatever you can do. Thanks!

Try it

Up to 15 XP

Write your counteroffer

Now draft your own using the four-part structure. Keep it short: a good counter is a few sentences, and it works equally well on a phone call.

0 words
0 words
0 words
0 words
How your answer is divided
  • Thanks and enthusiasm 0%
  • Your reasons 0%
  • A specific ask 0%
  • A next step 0%
Total words
0
Speaking time
0 seconds
Target
20-60 seconds

Your draft is saved only in this browser.

Key takeaways

  • Enthusiasm, reasons, a specific number, then silence.

  • Aim slightly above what you would happily accept.

  • Offer commitment in exchange for movement when you mean it.

Lesson quiz

5 questions · pass with 4 correct · up to 50 XP

Passing this quiz completes the lesson and keeps your streak going. Questions you miss come back in review sessions later.

Questions about this lesson

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