How Should I Tell a New Employer I’m Staying After a Counteroffer from My Current Job?

Hello Seniors,

I need your help and advice.

I am working for a Recruitment consultancy that caters to the requirements of major engineering industries. I have no complaints about the current job other than the salary aspect.

Last week, I received an email about an opening in another consultancy for a "Head - Recruitment" position. Out of curiosity, I approached them, had a conversation, and they offered me double the salary I am currently receiving. I accepted the offer, but when I informed my current boss, he expressed that he is not willing to let me go.

He believes he cannot afford to lose me because he values my work and stated, "If others are willing to pay you that amount, why can't I match it to keep you with us." He has now presented me with the same offer as the other company.

My dilemma now is how to communicate to the new employer that I have decided to stay in my current position. I want to be honest with you seniors: "I did not entertain any bargaining." I NEVER EXPECTED THAT HE WOULD MAKE A COUNTEROFFER EQUAL TO THE ONE TO RETAIN ME." I was prepared to leave my current company and join the new one.

Please advise me. I would be grateful to all of you!

Jayanthi

Hi,

Apart from the offer and designation, look at the opportunities for learning and the exposure that you get. Make a comparison between the two organizations in terms of your individual growth and the organization's growth, and then make a decision.

One thing I don't understand is, if your current employer is so impressed with your performance, why didn't he increase your salary in between? How will your next increase happen? The employer should take ownership of his employees and take care of their needs and expectations.

Regards,
Sathiya

Hello Jayanti,

It does not sound good that after all this happening, you will stay with the current organization. Because your boss might think in the future that you will leave and will start planning your successor. There might be no alternative for him, but if he knows that your salary is not competitive, he should offer "DOUBLE" already. However, saying that others can buy you is not good; it can be an obstacle in your career. So, I suggest you must change.

Secondly, if you went for another job, what was the main reason? If it is only salary, then switch; if it is something else, then stay.

Arooj
HR

Hi Jayanthi,

My advice would be not to compare on monetary terms. Look out for differences in job responsibility, growth, recognition, etc., as you want to continue with the same company. Inform the same to the new employer verbally, which would give a better impression rather than non-verbally.

Hi Jayanthi, I feel you should consider taking the new job offer. Here are my views on why the new offer might be a good choice:

Once you resign, you may lose the confidence of your employer, which is usually difficult to regain. Your colleagues may also view you differently, making it challenging to adjust. If anything goes wrong in the future with the company or your work, you might face harsh consequences.

It seems like your services are currently in demand. However, there is a possibility that your employer is preparing a backup plan, and once that backup is ready, the situation could become challenging for you. Sathiya rightfully mentioned the importance of analyzing why your employer doubled your salary upon your resignation.

While these points may sound pessimistic or harsh, they reflect my sincere views.

Anand

Dear Sathiya,

Thank you for your reply. I have also given it some thought. I felt that he was just holding on with that salary until he could find something better. As they say, "only crying babies get the milk"...

I compared both organizations. The present organization is 11 years old and well-established, while the new one is just 3 years old and solely owned by a woman (Marwadi). The present organization has branches in Bangalore, Chennai, etc., and there is a possibility that we may relocate to either of these places depending on my husband's job. My current boss mentioned that he can help place me in these branches as a head in the future. He advises me to stay with him and witness my growth.

Do you think I am making the right choice by staying here?

Regards,
Jayanthi

If you can get an offer elsewhere that matches what you are currently offered, don't make a change. Politely inform them that you appreciate their offer but, due to personal reasons, you wish to continue with your current company. Avoid mentioning that you are receiving the same offer from your current employer. However, ensure that your current company provides the offer in writing.

I have been working for the past 5 months here. Let me add one more thing here. Presently, he has a staff that is neither qualified nor good at communication skills. However, all are sincere, hardworking, and do their job as instructed. Since I joined, things have changed quite a bit. He appreciates the way I communicate and produce results. I feel he was trying to get work from me with the salary he had offered for as long as he could. However, this new offer made him realize that he cannot afford to lose me at this stage, especially with the increasing number of requirements he's facing. As I mentioned earlier, I have no complaints here other than the salary. My only concern is how to communicate this to the new employer.

Please help. Jayanthi

Hi,

Five months is a very short time to bring about changes within an organization. I suggest that you remain with your current company for another 5-6 months. As Amit rightly pointed out, simply inform them politely that, due to personal reasons, you prefer to stay with your current company.

Regards,
Kanupriya

Hi Jyanti,

I have gone through your view and came to know that you should work there, continue with another salary package. As per your email, everything is good except for the salary. If the salary has increased, then there is no need to change. At another place, you don't know what kind of environment they have, what they expect from you, or if you will fit in there. Keeping these factors in view, it is good for you to continue there.

Ramesh

If salary was the only reason for quitting, you may not leave the present company. If other factors are more prominent, which you feel to get at your new place, you must join the new company.

Hello Utpal Sinha,

Thank you very much for your advice. As the salary was the only problem in my present company, I decided to stay back here. Thank you to all Cite HR Members for advising me at the right time. I am now retained in my present company with the new offer, and I am happy with it. Even though I did not intend to take the new offer, I am sure it has hurt the new company that offered me. I feel sorry about that. I am sincere from within. Also, I just couldn't resist the counteroffer made by my present employer, requesting me to stay back and saying that I was an asset and he could not afford to lose me. A mix of bad and good experience! Thanks to all of you!!

Regards,
Jayanthi