Addressing the possibility of a counter-offer with a candidate is a regular part of every conversation with candidates when they begin the interview process for a new position. Our recruiters have seen counter-offers work out successfully but they have also seen a candidate accept a counter-offer only for it to backfire months later and the candidate is looking for a job on their previous employer’s terms, not theirs. More often than not though, they have seen candidates walk away from a counter-offer and be the better for it.
Walking away from a counter-offer and your comfort zone of employment can be a scary thing, but walking away on your terms for new position and new company can be a great turning point in your career. You’ve already spent personal time working with your recruiter or sending out your resume, dressing up for interview after interview and talking things over with your family so why throw all that hard work and time off of work away to accept a counter-offer from a company you already wanted to leave?
Most people don’t look for a new job at a new company where they are the new guy/girl just for the money; there are usually other reasons someone spends hours of their personal time looking for a better opportunity. Remember those reasons you are unhappy with your current company/position when your current employer tries to entice you with a little more money. Why were you unhappy? Can a larger salary make up for the cons of the position?
Nick Corcodilos, a headhunter in Silicon Valley, addresses this dilemma in “Ask The Headhunter: Should I Reject a Counter-Offer From My Employer?” Nick answers the question: “If another company makes me a bona fide job offer and I resign my old job, what should I do if my original employer comes back with a counter-offer? Should I leave anyway?”
Nick addresses several aspects, both good and bad, of counter-offers and how they can affect the candidate and their current work environment if they accept and stay. If you’re struggling with what to do about a counter-offer, read this article and talk to your recruiter.
