The Recruiter’s Guide to Counteroffers, Part 2
From an employer’s point of view, a counteroffer is a worthwhile investment to keep a valuable
employee from resigning. From the employee’s point of view, a counteroffer is a
reason to stay. Accepting a counteroffer, however, is not always in an
employee’s best interest. Learning when to accept or deny a counteroffer is a
vital skill that every job seeker looking to make a career change needs to acquire.
Potential Pitfalls of Accepting a Counteroffer
If your employer has issued a counteroffer, it means you’ve already accepted a position with another
company and given your letter of resignation. After going through all the work
to prepare for an interview, impress a new employer, and come up with an agreement
that works for both of you, are you really prepared to throw it all away?
Accepting a counteroffer can feel like you’re coming out on top keeping a job you already
know and getting more to do it but in the end, it may not be what’s best for
you. Often, the job isn’t fulfilling, no longer interests you, or your boss
doesn’t appreciate you. While a counteroffer may feel like your boss is finally
giving you what you deserve, it’s just a way to protect the employer’s best
interests, not yours.
If more money was your end goal, asking for a raise is a much better tactic than getting a counteroffer. Accepting a counteroffer means you run the risk of working for an employer who no longer trusts you. You may find that your job situation gets worse, not better, after accepting a counteroffer. You’ll likely be last on the list for promotions and top projects, as your employer sees you as a flight risk. Odds are you’ll be searching for a new job again within months of accepting a counteroffer, as the reasons you went on a job hunt, to begin with still hold true.
To Accept or Not to Accept?
The bottom line is that a counteroffer doesn’t mean you’ll be happier with your current job. It often just delays the inevitable. What’s more, you may have lost your one and only chance to impress a job recruiter. You’ve wasted the recruiter’s valuable time and resources only to remain at your current job. It can be tempting to accept a counteroffer out of guilt, flattery, or the desire to make more money. However, accepting for the wrong reasons will only end badly for you. Only accept a counteroffer if you’re sure it’s in the best interests of your long-term career goals.
When considering a counteroffer, remind yourself why you wanted to leave. There’s
probably something missing in your current position that a counteroffer will
not fill. Look at your situation from all angles and make a decision that will
ultimately help your professional future.
Counteroffers are a tricky business, but it’s something you can master with the right
recruiter informing your choice.
Contact JSK Recruiting for more advice about counteroffers.
