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The argument against accepting a counter offer

You have found a new job, and put in your resignation, but your manager tells you that you are important and a key asset to the firm and provides you with an excellent counter offer.  As a job seeker, having two job offers is definitely not a bad situation to be in, but what should you do now?

  • Stick to your guns:  First of all, do not accept the counter offer.  When you make a decision to resign your job, you should be prepared for the company to ask that you stay, which plays on your emotions.  It is important for job seekers to remain objective and put emotions aside; this is business, not personal.

  • What’s in it for them:  In addition to appreciating your work and contributions, your company needs to take on the task of finding and training your replacement. So while it’s flattering to get the positive attention and perks of a counter offer, remember you are leaving for many reasons and your departure is a bigger headache for the company than it is for you.

  • It’s hard to unring that bell:  Let them know you appreciate the thought, but you have made up your mind to move on.  When you allow the company to talk about your future possibilities after you resign, you will be leading them on. Counter offers rarely work for the employees or employers, so it’s best to show your appreciation, but kindly let your manager know your decision is final.

  • Watch out for the sexy offer:  While money used to be the go-to big counter offer, currently big high-profile projects are what companies are offering to keep people at their job.  Companies will go the extra step to find out what the job candidate wants for a project/job role, benefits such as working remote / flexible hours or leadership role / technology growth.  Individuals need to review these counteroffers objectively, look beyond the company which was not giving you what you wanted before you decided to leave, don’t fall for the emotional pressure or the ‘gift basket of goodies’.

  • Remember why you were looking in the first place:  Job seekers need to remember why they began the job search.  They need to ask themselves: “Why didn’t these offers come before I had a foot out the door?  What will change if I decide to stay?  Will these things come to fruition?  Are these empty promises?  Is it just a band-aid approach?  Is the company just buying itself time to figure something out?”

  • Are you going to be obligated to the company?: If a job seeker accepts the counter offer and forces a company’s hand, they may then question every time you take a day off or a vacation.  If you weren’t fulfilled by your job before, a new project or extra money is great (short term), but in the long-run, it is probably better to go with your gut feeling and take that new job.

Doug Shade, Principal Consultant at WinterWyman www.winterwyman.com

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AUTHORDoug Shade Insider Comment
  • gr
    graemeb
    24 October 2013

    Sure the recruiters dont want you to accept counter offers to stay, and agree thats the motivation for the article (obviously some counter offers are worthwhile). But the 'greed is everywhere' cynacism expressed in the above comments is so sad. Guys, if you are jaded by all the selfishness in the corporate world, then be a model to others by being unselfish yourself.

  • Ji
    Jimmy
    24 October 2013

    What a biased one eyed article. Oh wait written by a recruiter who only clips the ticket if you move - crystal clear!

  • bi
    big mama
    18 October 2013

    This is all about finding an equilibrium. We're greedy and banks are tight. It's all about strategy to find the right balance. I wouldn't touch a recruiter with yours let alone my own. 99% are conflicted.

  • an
    anonymous
    18 October 2013

    We're all in it for the money. If you're any good, the strategy of accepting counter offers will work at more than one employer whilst playing investment bank bingo during your career. There is nothing wrong with tarting yourself out for a bit more. If banks can get rid of people so easily, then why not take the piss if your able to move? We're greedy, recruiters are seriously greedy, shareholders are greedy and Banks are TIGHT until they are pushed,

  • an
    anonymous
    18 October 2013

    "The real reason: Winter Wyman Recruitment agency doesn't get their fee if you accept the counter offer and stay in your job."

    HAHAHA! Spot on!! This article is nonsense and shows the writers lack of knowledge of the current job market. This is the game that has gone on for decades, companies dont give you a raise until they HAVE to give you a raise, especially now. Acccepting the counter is some times the ONLY way to get a raise. Get a clue.

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