How to Handle Counter Offers

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We understand the excitement and relief that comes with receiving a job offer from a company you want to work for. However, we also know that sometimes your current employer may counter-offer in an attempt to keep you on board. This can put you in a tough spot, but it’s important to handle the situation carefully.

What are counter offers?

A counter offer is a proposal made by your current employer to keep you from leaving the company after you have received an external job offer. This may include a raise in salary, a promotion, or additional benefits.

Employers tend to make counter-offers for the following reasons:

To retain the employee’s knowledge of the company, customers and processes.
To minimise the costs of hiring and training a replacement.
To avoid passing extra workload onto the rest of the team.
To maintain employee morale and team relationships.

Potential Pitfalls of Staying

While receiving a counter offer may seem like an ideal solution to staying with your current company, there are potential pitfalls to consider. One of the main issues is that the reasons why you were considering leaving in the first place may not be addressed in the counter offer. Additionally, staying with the same company after receiving a counter offer may cause mistrust and damage your relationship with your employer.

Tips on How To Handle Counter Offers

Stay professional: Whether you decide to accept the counter offer or not, it’s important to stay professional throughout the process. Keep in mind that you may work with these people again in the future, and burning bridges is never a good idea.

Remember why you started looking for a new job: If you were actively seeking a new job, there must have been a reason why. Perhaps you were looking for more challenging work, a better work-life balance, or a higher salary. Consider whether the counter offer addresses these issues and whether it’s enough to make you want to stay.

Ask yourself if the counter offer is a long-term solution: While a counter offer may seem like a good solution in the short term, it may not be a long-term solution. Your current employer may offer you a raise or a promotion to keep you on board, but if the underlying issues that caused you to look for a new job in the first place are not addressed, you may find yourself looking for a new job again in the near future.

Be transparent with your potential new employer: If you’ve received a counter offer, be transparent with your potential new employer about the situation. They may be able to offer you additional incentives to make the move more attractive or provide you with guidance on how to handle the situation.

Trust your instincts: At the end of the day, you know what’s best for you. Trust your instincts and make a decision that aligns with your goals and values.

In conclusion, receiving a counter offer can be both flattering and stressful. It’s important to take the time to weigh your options and make an informed decision that aligns with your career goals and values.