What to say when making a counter offer
Make a confident counter offer that gets results without damaging the deal. Fill in your details below, copy the prompt, and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini.
A counter offer situation, where your current employer responds to your resignation with more money or a better role, is one of the more complex professional conversations to navigate. The risk is not just the immediate decision but how you manage the relationship with your current employer regardless of what you choose.
The most important thing is to not commit immediately, no matter how compelling the counter appears. Take time to genuinely consider it, think about why you were looking to leave in the first place, and respond with the clarity and professionalism that makes the conversation work in your favor whatever the outcome.
Fill in the counter offer details, your original reasons for leaving, and what you want to communicate. The prompt below will write a professional response for accepting, declining, or asking for time to consider.
Fill in your details
Your prompt
You are helping me make a counter offer in a negotiation. Here are the details: What is being negotiated: [TOPIC] The offer I received: [THEIR_OFFER] My counter: [MY_COUNTER] Why my counter is justified: [JUSTIFICATION] Who I am negotiating with: [OTHER_PARTY] Write a professional counter offer response. Include: a brief acknowledgment of their offer, my counter with a clear rationale, and a constructive close that keeps the conversation moving. Tone should be confident but not aggressive.
Copy this prompt and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or any AI tool.
Tips for this conversation
- 1Acknowledge their offer before countering. It keeps the conversation collaborative.
- 2Always back your counter with a reason. "Based on my experience and market rates" is more persuasive than just a higher number.
- 3Be prepared for their counter to your counter. Know your walk-away point in advance.
Common questions
How much should I counter above their offer?+
For salary, 10 to 20 percent is typical. For project rates, counter to what you actually want, not an inflated number. Counteroffers based on real justification are more persuasive than large arbitrary jumps.
What if they reject my counter offer?+
Ask whether there is any flexibility at all. If not, decide whether the original offer meets your minimum. Do not make multiple counter offers going lower each time — it signals you will keep moving and weakens your position. Know your walk-away number before the conversation starts.
Should I counter in writing or on a call?+
Either works, but a call gives you more real-time read on tone and room to negotiate fluidly. For salary, a call followed by a written confirmation of what was agreed is the strongest approach. For project rates, email creates a clean paper trail.
How do I use this prompt?+
Fill in your details using the form above. The placeholders in the prompt update live as you type. When you are ready, click “Copy prompt” and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or any AI tool. The AI will write a personalised script based on your specific situation.
Which AI tool works best for these conversation scripts?+
Claude and ChatGPT both work well. Claude tends to produce more nuanced, natural-sounding language that is closer to how people actually speak. ChatGPT is strong for structured, direct output. Try both with your details and compare the results.
Should I use the AI output word for word?+
Use it as a strong draft, then edit it to sound like you. The AI gives you the structure and language to work from. Reading it out loud before the actual conversation is one of the best ways to catch anything that does not feel natural for your voice.
Can I adapt the prompt for a written message instead of a conversation?+
Yes. Before copying the prompt, add a line specifying the format you need: “Write this as an email” or “Write this as a short Slack message.” The variants above also cover different tones and formats for many situations.
Related situations
What to say in a salary negotiation
Negotiate your job offer salary confidently without feeling uncomfortable.
What to say when negotiating a price
Negotiate vendor, supplier, or service prices confidently and professionally.
What to say when raising your prices
Announce a price increase to existing clients in a way that keeps them.