The Ugly Truth About a Counteroffer

October 8, 2019
The Ugly Truth About a Counteroffer

We get it. Breaking up is hard to do. And when it comes to a professional split, the same hesitance that may keep you in a safe, often unsatisfying job can be just as prevalent — especially when there’s an incentive added to the mix.

Our advice: don’t give in.

Century Group’s team of Executive Recruiters regularly confronts this issue during the search process. And in in our experience, accepting a counteroffer is never a good idea — for both you or your current employer. In fact, more than 80% of people who take a counteroffer are no longer with the company six months later, according to the National Employment Association.

Here are five reasons why you should never accept a counteroffer:

1.  That sudden raise or promotion is suspect.

Consider this: Where is the money for the counteroffer coming from? Is your next raise early? Almost all companies follow strict wage and salary guidelines.

2. Understand your worth.

Every professional wants to know they’re valued — but a salary increase or promotion in response to your potential resignation doesn’t scream genuine appreciation. Will you have to pose a similar threat every time you deserve better working conditions and compensation?

3. Your employer is aware that you’re unhappy and looking.

The cat’s out of the bag. Now, regardless of what’s said when the counteroffer is made, you’ll always be considered a risk — and your loyalty to the company called into question.

4. A replacement is on the way.

No one likes to think of themselves as expendable, so we’ll break it to you gently: your future with this employer is most likely temporary. A counteroffer is a management technique often used to buy the company time until your replacement is found.

5. Your circumstances haven’t changed.

No counteroffer can eliminate your reasons for considering a career move in the first place. And while the new conditions may make your work experience more tolerable in the short-term — those circumstances still exist.

Are you ready for a career move? Century Group’s team of accounting and finance placement experts can help. Check out our latest job opportunities today.

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