Following on from my recent blog “Handing in your notice at work?” Here is some guidance and support for those who have been asked by their manager to stay!

Some of you may be fully prepared for “The counter offer” others it can take by surprise!

When your boss suddenly offers you a much higher salary to keep you it can put a spanner in the works. As flattering as that may be, you ought to question their motives.  If they already had the budget for a higher salary, why are they only offering you this when you are about to leave?

When my candidates ask me for advice when they receive a counter offer, I ask them these questions:

  • Why did you want to leave in the first place?
  • Why did it take your resignation for your worth to be valued?
  • Will staying put change the environment you so badly wanted to leave?
  • How will remaining in the same role help with your development?
  • What will your relationship be like with your manager/colleagues now they know you want to leave?

From personal experience, I once made the jump many years ago and at the time regretted not taking the counter offer. Yet the office closed down soon after, so my instinct was right. Another time I had a counter offer, I wished I hadn’t given in to flattery to stay as I left within 3 months due to the promises of change not materialising.

Read these statistics before deciding!

Don’t accept a new role unless you are at least 99% sure it is the right move.  And don’t go for job interviews solely to negotiate a higher salary with your current company.  You will lose their trust and they WILL be looking for your replacement!

There are variables. Hindsight is great.  Yet I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t taken the leap of faith. Are you ready to make yours?

If you are looking to find a new role or need advice, get in touch!