You've accepted a new job offer, handed in your resignation and started looking ahead to your next opportunity. Then your manager asks to speak with you and presents a counter offer. Suddenly, what felt like a straightforward decision becomes much more complicated, particularly if it includes a higher salary, promotion, additional benefits or greater flexibility.
While it's flattering to know your employer wants you to stay, it's important to consider whether accepting a counter offer is the right decision for your long-term career.
Before making your choice, take a step back and think about why you decided to look for a new job in the first place. A counter offer may solve one problem, but it doesn't always address the reasons that led you to resign.
Our recruitment experts walk you through the tactics behind counter offers, how to evaluate them and how to take the next steps.
What is a counteroffer?
A counteroffer is an offer made by your current employer to prevent you from resigning in favour of a new position elsewhere. In most cases, your employer will try to match or exceed a new employer's offer, be that salary, benefits, project opportunities, a promotion, upgraded role remit, or several of the above.
As the name suggests, their offer is intended to counter the one a new employer has given you. But, in our experience, counteroffers are usually a reaction, not an effective long-term retention solution.
A salary increase that matches or exceeds the offerA promotion or new job titleAdditional perks or benefitsFlexible or hybrid workingExtra annual leaveProfessional development opportunities
Five things to consider before accepting a counter-offer
1. Does it address the reasons you wanted to leave?
It's fairly rare for a person to resign just to receive a higher counter-offer, they usually look for a new job because they feel ready for a change or a new challenge.
There are many reasons you may choose to move on, maybe your progress feels stagnant, or you're just ready to take on new challenges.
Regardless of the reason, you have to ask yourself how it will be until you start to feel these same things about your current employer and job again. Even if there is a promotion and a payrise on the table, will you be happy in your current company in 6 months time?
Why did I decide to resign?Have those issues genuinely changed?Will I feel the same frustrations again in six or twelve months?
2. Has the bond of trust been broken?
Every employer responds differently to a resignation. And if you choose to accept a counteroffer some will appreciate your honesty and be pleased you've decided to stay. Others may begin thinking about succession planning sooner than you expect.
Once you've handed in your notice, your employer knows you were prepared to leave the business. While this doesn't automatically damage trust, it's worth considering whether your long-term commitment could be viewed differently when future promotions, leadership opportunities or major projects become available.
Equally, ask yourself whether you'll feel the same about your employer. If your reasons for leaving haven't changed, it may be difficult to rebuild the same level of confidence in your role.
3. Why is your employer making a counter-offer?
Hiring a replacement and training new employees can cost a significant amount of money, particularly where senior roles are concerned. In some cases, employers may offer a counter-offer to avoid the hassle and expenditure involved in recruiting a new candidate. According to the 2024 report by CIPD, the median cost of recruiting an employee was £1,500 (including labour costs) to fill a vacancy, with a potential hiring lead-time of 4.9 weeks across all industries, and a minimum of one year for onboarding.
That's not to say your employer doesn't value you. In many cases they genuinely do. However, retaining an experienced employee is often quicker, cheaper and less disruptive than recruiting and training someone new.
Understanding your employer's motivation can help you decide whether the counter offer represents a genuine investment in your future or simply a short-term solution.
4. Why wasn't your salary increased before you resigned?
It's always encouraging when your employer recognises your value. Even so, it's reasonable to ask why that conversation only happened after you decided to leave.
If you've previously discussed your salary or career progression without success, consider why your market value has only been recognised now.
Before making your decision, compare the offer against current market rates. The Robert Half Salary Calculator can help you understand what professionals with your skills and experience are earning across the UK, giving you confidence that you're making an informed decision.
Related: How to negotiate a higher salary
5. Will staying leave you with regrets?
Staying where you're comfortable can feel like the lower-risk option, especially if you've built strong relationships with your colleagues. But comfort isn't always the same as career progression.
Think about where you want your career to be in two, five or even ten years' time. Which role offers the greatest opportunity to learn new skills, broaden your experience and help you achieve your professional goals?
It's often easier to picture your future with your current employer because it's familiar. But don't let familiarity stop you from exploring an opportunity that could help you grow.
Counter-offer checklist
Am I leaving mainly because of salary?Will accepting this offer resolve the reasons I wanted to leave?Can I see genuine long-term career progression here?If my employer had made this offer three months ago, would I still have started looking for another job?Do I feel confident about my future with this employer?Would I regret turning down my new opportunity?
If several of your answers raise concerns, it may be worth reconsidering whether accepting the counter-offer is the right decision.
Still unsure what to do? If you're working with a recruitment consultant, don't feel you have to make the decision alone. They can provide an objective perspective on your options, explain the current market, discuss the long-term career implications of accepting a counter-offer and help you make an informed decision that's right for you.
Should you reject a counter-offer?
Every situation is different, but you may want to think carefully before accepting a counter-offer if:
Your reasons for leaving extend beyond salary.You've previously raised concerns that weren't addressed.The counter-offer doesn't offer meaningful career progression.You're genuinely excited about your new role and the opportunities it brings.You're looking for fresh challenges, greater responsibility or a different working environment.
A higher salary may improve your short-term circumstances, but it won't necessarily change your day-to-day experience or long-term career prospects.
Frequently asked questions
Is it common to receive a counteroffer after resigning?
Receiving a counteroffer after resignation is relatively common in the current hiring market — salary increases are one of the most popular tools being used by employers to retain talent. Research for the Robert Half Salary Guide shows that nearly two in five business leaders are looking to add permanent headcount for the year, and 46% are willing to increase salaries to remain an employer of choice in the skills-poor, tight hiring market.
Should I accept a counter-offer from my employer?
It's wise to compare your counteroffer with a new employer's offer. Rather than focusing solely on the salary and benefits, we recommend expanding your comparison to include factors like the potential for career development, cultural fit, value alignment, etc.
Whilst a short-term boost in salary is great, you should be careful not to risk your long-term earning potential.
There's no universal right answer. If your main reason for leaving was salary and your employer has addressed that, staying could make sense. However, if your decision was driven by limited career progression, management, workplace culture or a desire for new challenges, think carefully about whether those issues have really changed.
Can accepting a counter-offer affect my career?
Potentially. While many employers appreciate honesty and professionalism, accepting a counter-offer can change expectations around your future commitment to the organisation. Consider how this might influence future promotions, leadership opportunities and long-term career development.
How do I politely decline a counter-offer?
Thank your employer for recognising your contribution, explain that you've carefully considered their offer and confirm that you've decided to move forward with your new opportunity. Leaving on good terms helps maintain positive professional relationships.
Can I negotiate a counter-offer from my employer?
An offer is a negotiation between two parties. Use the opportunity to raise the stakes before accepting a counteroffer if your employer hasn't addressed all your concerns with their new deal. Push back where appropriate to explain where your needs are not met. For example, if you do not feel the counteroffer considers your long-term career progression, ask for a detailed personal development plan.
Read more: Disappointed with your salary review? Here’s what to do next
However, businesses may be unable to make personalised changes to your contracted terms and conditions. For example, if you're looking for remote or flexible working and it's not part of the corporate policies, you may have to look elsewhere.
Should you decline the offer, we recommend keeping things polite and professional to minimise damage to your relationship with your current employer. Thank your employer for making the offer but politely decline, stating your reasons for leaving. Try to frame these positively, focusing more on your hopes, aspirations, and goals, rather than resorting to criticism or blame.
You can finish things on a positive note by reassuring your employer that you'll complete any outstanding work before you leave, prepare handover documents, and help train colleagues to ensure a smooth departure.
Are you ready to find your next career opportunity? Upload your CV or browse open roles today and rely on our experienced recruitment team to guide you through the process—including counteroffers—so you can build your dream career.
