Counter Offer

Counter offers can present a challenging dilemma for candidates. After successfully navigating the interview process and accepting a new offer, many find themselves facing a counter offer from their current employer. This situation often leads to a tough decision, but accepting a counter offer can be a mistake.

If you were deemed worth more today than yesterday, what has changed other than your resignation? A raise offered under the threat of losing you can lead to resentment from your employer. Statistics show that approximately 75% of individuals who accept counter offers are no longer with the company within six months.

Employers often resort to short-term financial incentives to keep talent in place, but the underlying issues that prompted the employee to consider leaving in the first place remain unresolved. This can result in the employee being the first to face layoffs or feeling dissatisfied in their role.

I have witnessed this firsthand. I once had a candidate who had signed an acceptance and was coached through their resignation, only to receive a counter offer by noon the next day. Unbeknownst to them, their employer had contacted me earlier that day to fill the position, demonstrating their seriousness about finding a replacement.

While I had accepted the employer's retainer and their confidence in my services, I could not ethically disclose their intentions to the candidate. Ultimately, the candidate made the right decision, recognizing that their reasons for seeking change remained valid despite the counter offer. They thrived in their new role and advanced to a senior leadership position.

The candidate who filled their previous position also succeeded, highlighting that such situations can lead to positive outcomes for all parties involved.

My advice is simple: if you have made the decision to leave, stick to it. You did not arrive at this conclusion lightly, and the conditions that led you to consider a change have not altered. While the fear of loss can be a powerful emotion, trust in your judgment and the process that brought you to this point.

Mike Pearlman
Milestone Executive Search

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