Counteroffers: Can you use another job offer to bargain with your current employer?

• Tammy Jensen
• October 27, 2021
• Newsletter Article

You have another job offer; can you use it as a bargaining piece with your current employer? Find out if you should consider counteroffers, or respectfully decline.

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By: Tammy Jensen, President of agriCAREERS, Inc

 

Should I use another job offer as a bargaining piece with my current employer? No. It really is that simple, but I will try to explain why counteroffers rarely end well. Having recruited for over 34 years, I have heard about many counteroffers. At the end of the day, most counteroffers do not work out positively.

 

The first question is why are you looking to make a job change? If you are unhappy in your current situation, want to advance or feel you deserve a raise, communicate with your supervisor. Ask for a raise, ask for additional responsibilities, ask what the career path is for you within the organization. If they say no to a raise, ask what objectives and/or goals you must achieve to receive a raise. If this conversation does not bring the answers or solutions you want, it is time to look for a new opportunity.

 

After you have the important conversation with your employer and decide to explore other employment opportunities, be prepared to make the change. Once you have accepted an offer with another company, remember you have made a commitment. If your current employer extends you a counteroffer after you resign, respectfully decline.

 

But wait, your current employer offered more money than you wanted, why decline? Below are some things to think about:

1. Accepting a counteroffer allows the company time to search for your replacement while you are still working.

2. Your current employer likely assumes your loyalty to the company is gone.

3. If you are offered a raise, it is usually your upcoming, scheduled raise.  

4. Why were you not worth the money, the promotion, etc. before you resigned?

5. Co-workers often lose faith in your commitment to the company and team. While there are a few exceptions, typically the work environment will not be the same once you accept a counteroffer.

6. The majority of employees that accept counteroffers will no longer be with the same company in 2 years.

 

Have the important conversation with your employer before you begin job searching. If they extend a counteroffer to you, respectfully decline and thank them. Don’t burn the bridge, as there may be a great opportunity in the future with the company and/or supervisor.

 

Should I use another job offer as a bargaining piece with my current employer? Very simply, NO!

 

Find agriCAREERS, INC. job postings here:  /agricareers-inc-company-187482.cfm