Receiving a counter offer from your current employer can be both flattering and stressful. It confirms your value to the team but introduces a significant complication at a career crossroads after you have already secured a new role. This situation demands a professional approach to ensure you make the best decision for your future while maintaining the relationships you have built. This guide provides a step-by-step method for politely declining the offer.
Why Rejecting a Counter Offer is Often the Right Choice
Remember the initial reasons that prompted your job search. Studies indicate that most employees who accept a counter offer end up leaving within a year anyway. The fundamental issues that led you to seek other opportunities, whether related to company culture, a lack of growth, or management style, are unlikely to disappear with a salary increase. A pay raise is often a temporary solution for deeper problems affecting job satisfaction.
Accepting a counter offer can alter the dynamic with your employer. Your loyalty may now be under scrutiny, and you could be perceived as someone who used a new offer as leverage. This can strain your relationship with management and may place you at the top of the list for future redundancies. The trust that once existed might be compromised, making your position within the company precarious.
If you were in line for a promotion or increased responsibility, question why these opportunities only materialized after you resigned. A reactive offer from your employer may not be a genuine reflection of a plan for your career progression, but rather a short-term move to retain an employee and avoid the inconvenience of hiring a replacement.
How to Prepare for the Conversation
Before you communicate your final decision, some preparation can ensure the conversation is handled professionally. The best method for this discussion is in-person, as it conveys respect. If a face-to-face meeting is not feasible, a video call is the next best alternative, followed by a phone call. Email should be reserved as a last resort or as a formal follow-up.
Schedule a specific time to speak with your manager in a private setting where you will not be interrupted. This foresight shows consideration for your manager’s time and the gravity of the discussion. Dedicate a few moments to mentally rehearse what you plan to say.
What to Say When Declining the Offer
Begin the conversation by expressing sincere gratitude for the counter offer. Acknowledge the effort your employer made to keep you, which shows respect for your professional relationship. You could start by saying, “Thank you so much for this offer. I truly appreciate the company’s gesture and the confidence you’ve shown in me.”
After expressing thanks, state your decision clearly and firmly, leaving no room for ambiguity. A direct statement such as, “After careful consideration, I have decided to decline the counter offer and will be moving forward with the new opportunity,” is effective. Avoid overly apologetic language or justifications that might invite further negotiation.
Frame your decision around your future career growth and the opportunities the new role presents, rather than criticizing your current company. You might explain, “The new position offers a unique challenge that aligns directly with my long-term career goals.” Conclude the conversation by reiterating your commitment to ensuring a smooth transition during your final weeks.
Email Template for Declining a Counter Offer
While a verbal conversation is preferred, an email is necessary to formally document your decision. The email should be concise and professional, serving as a clear record of your choice and confirming your last day of employment.
Here is a template that can be adapted:
Subject: Regarding Your Offer
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Thank you again for the generous counter offer to remain at [Company Name]. I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to present this to me and for the opportunities I’ve been given here.
After careful consideration, I have decided to stand by my original decision and will be accepting the other role. This was not an easy choice, but it is the right one for my long-term career objectives. My last day of employment will be [Your Last Day].
I am fully committed to ensuring a smooth and complete handover of my responsibilities before I leave. Please let me know how I can best assist with this transition.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
What to Do After Declining
Once you have officially declined the counter offer, your focus should shift to navigating your final weeks with professionalism. Your primary responsibility is to facilitate a smooth handover of your duties. This involves documenting your current projects and processes, organizing your files, and being available to train your replacement.
During this period, you may face questions or varied reactions from your coworkers. It is best to handle these interactions gracefully, maintaining a constructive and helpful demeanor. Avoid detailing any negative reasons for your departure and instead keep the focus on the future and your commitment to a seamless transition.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your soon-to-be-former employer is good practice. The professional world can be small, and your reputation for handling a departure with integrity will follow you. By leaving on good terms, you preserve your network.