Should I ever counter over the phone?

State the ask in writing after any call. Written asks get written answers you can hold.

What if they say no to everything?

Sometimes 'no' really is no. But a specific written ask often surfaces a partial 'yes' the initial offer didn't include.

Guides

How to write a counter-offer

A good counter-offer letter thanks the sender briefly, states the specific number you're asking for (severance weeks and amount), lists the additional items (PTO payout, healthcare bridge, reference letter, review period), and closes professionally. Send it in writing so the response comes back in writing.

Updated July 2026

Structure that gets answered

Every good counter-offer letter shares the same skeleton. One opening paragraph acknowledging the offer and stating your intent to reach agreement. One or two paragraphs with specific, numbered asks. One closing paragraph that leaves the door open and asks for a written response.

Anchor with numbers

"Better severance, please" gets a polite decline. "Given my seven years and the timing, I'd like to request severance of twelve weeks — approximately $28,000 — plus payout of accrued PTO with my final check" gets a real reply. Anchoring gives the person on the other side something specific to say yes, no, or maybe to.

Package the whole ask

Include everything you want in the first counter: severance amount, PTO, healthcare bridge or COBRA subsidy, reference letter, review period, and — where relevant — treatment of unvested equity. Second-round asks land worse than first-round ones.

Tone

Professional and specific. No apologies for asking, no threats. Imagine the letter being read by someone one level above your manager who was not in the room. That is the audience.

What to leave out

Grievances, legal theories, ultimatums, and anything that reads as emotional. If the situation warrants those — genuine discrimination, retaliation, or unusual restrictive covenants — the venue is an employment attorney, not a manager reply.

The counter-offer letter builder assembles the whole thing in a few minutes, and the severance negotiation email template shows the finished shape.

How to negotiate severance →Counter-offer letter builder →Severance negotiation email template →

FAQ

Short. Under a page. State what you appreciate, list your specific asks with numbers, and close. Longer letters bury the ask.

Glidepath provides general information and document tools, not legal, financial, or tax advice. Employment rules vary by state and country. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed professional.