Negotiating a Job Offer

Writing Task

You have received a written job offer for a position you genuinely want at a Toronto logistics company. However, the salary is about 8% below the range your research suggests, and the role is described as fully on-site, although your interviews suggested some flexibility. Write a reply to the hiring manager: thank them and confirm your enthusiasm, negotiate the salary with a clear evidence-based justification, request one or two remote days per week, and ask about the proposed start date. Keep the tone warm, confident, and professional — you are opening a conversation, not making demands.

Writing Tips

• •Open with genuine, specific enthusiasm before raising any requests — it frames the negotiation as collaboration
• •Anchor your salary request in evidence (market research, your relevant experience), never in personal need
• •Use hedged, diplomatic request language: 'I was hoping we might...', 'Would there be room to...?'
• •Bundle all your requests into this one email — drip-feeding new conditions later damages trust
• •Name a specific salary figure rather than asking vaguely for 'more'
• •Do not apologize for negotiating — avoid openers like 'I'm sorry to ask, but...'
• •Close positively and flexibly, signalling that you expect to reach an agreement

Useful Vocabulary

Suggested Structure