Weighing up the Counter-Offer

    LONDON, ENGLAND, April 07, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- While we'd love to give you a straightforward solution, unfortunately, it's not so plain and simple. Here are Michael Page's points to consider when you're offered the chance to stay with your existing employer.

1. Delayed recognition: If you're worth your pay rise and increased responsibilities, then why was this not recognised before you handed in your notice? Part of your frustration may be because you feel undervalued, and if it takes you handing in your resignation for this to be noticed, you may be better off with an organisation that is more proactive n fulfilling your career ambition rather than less reactive.

2. Money, money, money: When you receive a counter-offer, it may not just be about offering you're a pay rise. It may address other issues, such as extra responsibilities or work/life balance. But unless salary was the sole purpose for looking at new opportunities, counter-offers are rarely the answer. However, in our experience, most people who initially accept a counter-offer find themselves in the same position as they were before; looking for a new job if the original situation still hasn't been resolved.

3. Weigh up your options: As simple as it sounds, weight up which role will be best for you. Which job makes the best use of your skills and will give you the opportunity to develop your career in the direction want it to go? What are you sentiments toward your current employer and your potential new manager? Which offers the best financial reward in conjunction with the other opportunities on offer?

4. Future market implications: If you do accept a counter-offer which results in a significant pay increase, you may find yourself being overpaid compared to market rate for your level of experience. This could render your future job hunt a little more difficult, as your remuneration won't accurately reflect your value in the market.

5. Trust issues when looking for a new job: Once your employer knows that you've interviewing for a new job, you are in fact demonstrating that you have the potential to be disloyal to the company. This may render you disloyal in the eyes of the company and therefore not a team player and therefore could potentially be one the first out of the door if there is any reorganisation.

6. But, think about what you're leaving behind: Working at an organisation for a period of time means you've built up equity, whether it's the relationships you've developed or your service record.

If you decide to reject your employer's counter-offer, use it as an opportunity to thank them for the offer and reiterate that while you enjoyed your time with the organisation, you remain firm in your decision to leave. At this point, think about whether you may encounter these people again and if there is any point in listing out your ill-feelings and burning bridges.

Most dramatic careers progressions take place by making an external move, however, that doesn't mean that the most positive move for you is necessarily one outside your company. If the deal offered by your current employer changes, it deserves consideration at least.

The counter offer situation can be a tricky one to handle, so if you're unsure speak to your Michael Page consultant for more advice on how to proceed. For more information on your job search, CVs, interviews and progressing your career, visit the Michael Page Career Centre.

Website: http://www.michaelpage.co.uk

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