The Counteroffer

Counteroffers are typically made in conjunction with some form of flattery…

• “You’re too valuable. We need you.”
• “You can’t desert the team and leave them hanging.”
• “What did they offer? Why are you leaving? What do you need in order to stay?”
• “Why would you want to work for that company?”
• “Ed, wants to meet with you before you make your final decision.”



Counteroffers usually take the form of…

• More money
• A promotion or more responsibility.
• Promises or future considerations
• Disparaging remarks about the new company



Before you agree to a tempting counter-offer, consider these universal truths:

• Why were you not recognized before?
• Will you be limited in the future?
• You’ve demonstrated your unhappiness and typically won’t be considered part of the team.
• Your reasons for wanting to leave still exist. Nothing will change within the company.
• A rule of thumb among recruiters is that more than 80% of people accepting counteroffers leave or are terminated, within 6 to 12 months.
• Half of those who do succumb reinitiate their job searches within 90 days.
• Finally, when making decisions, look at your current job as if you were unemployed.
• Which potential holds the most real potential?