You’ve accepted a new job and handed in your notice. Then your employer asks you to stay, with a pay rise, a promotion or a promise that things will change.
It’s flattering, and it can be tempting. But it’s a big decision, so take the time to think it through.
What a counter-offer is
A counter-offer is your employer’s attempt to keep you after you’ve resigned. It might be more pay, better benefits, a promotion, or a promise of changes at work.
Why employers make them
It helps to understand why the offer is being made. Usually it’s because:
- Replacing you takes time, and training someone new takes longer
- Your leaving could hold up projects and deadlines
- Experienced people are hard to find
- Losing people can unsettle the rest of the team
These are good reasons for your employer. Ask yourself whether staying is also good for you.
Questions to ask yourself
Why did you start looking?
Think back to why you wanted to leave. Was it the lack of progression, the work itself, not being recognised, or the place you work? More pay won’t fix most of those, and you could end up feeling the same way again a few months from now.
Will the promises happen?
Your employer may promise better working conditions, a better balance or a clear path to promotion. Ask whether that’s realistic, and whether they’ve kept promises like it before.
How will people see you?
Staying after you’ve resigned can change how your manager and colleagues see you. Your commitment may be questioned, and you could be passed over for promotions or important projects. Some employers keep people on only until they’ve found a replacement.
Is it about pay, or about your career?
More pay is welcome. But compare it with what the new job offers, such as better progression, more fulfilling work and wider experience. Those can matter more over the whole of your career.
How to turn it down
If you decide to go ahead with the new job, decline the counter-offer clearly and politely.
- Thank your employer for the offer and for wanting to keep you
- Be firm but respectful: say you’ve made your decision based on where you want your career to go
- Stay professional, so you leave on a good note
- Offer a thorough handover to keep disruption to a minimum
Think about the long run
A counter-offer can be tempting in the moment. Think about where you want your career to go, not just how the offer feels right now. The new job may give you the progression and satisfaction that your current employer can’t.
We can help
If you’re weighing up a counter-offer, your consultant can talk it through with you before you decide. Looking for your next role? Upload your CV and we’ll call you when a role suits you.