Why You Shouldn’t Accept a Counteroffer?

Many job offer tips provide insights into the process of job hunting. However, at the end comes a part not often discussed—counteroffers. When talking about resignations, a common topic that comes with it is counteroffers. 

Counteroffers are a common practice among companies since they prevent them from letting you, an employee accustomed to how they work, from leaving and going through the hassle of training a new one. 

However, as enticing as the offer may be, it’s essential to consider everything before succumbing to the number of zeroes the company added to make you stay. 

Through this job offer guide, you’ll know the hidden risks a counteroffer has and sales job tips on maintaining a professional relationship despite rejecting the counteroffer.

The Hidden Risks of Counteroffers

Counteroffers, as tempting as they may sound, possess many risks. 

1. Unresolved issues will stay unresolved.

Before you accept your company’s counteroffer, it’s important to remember why you resigned in the first place. Whether it’s because of the lack of interest, feeling undervalued, or limited growth potential, just because you accepted a counteroffer doesn’t mean those reasons will automatically disappear.

A bigger paycheck doesn’t guarantee a better work environment and mental health. The counteroffer is essentially a band-aid, and the reasons that made you want to leave will likely resurface sooner rather than later.

2. The counteroffer is for them, not for you.

It’s essential to note that if they genuinely valued your contribution to the extent that the counteroffer suggests, they would have given the offer to you in the first place, even before you decided to resign. 

In other words, the fact that they’re only willing to meet your expectations after you’ve resigned means that their counteroffer is more about keeping you, an already trained employee, than actually recognizing your worth. 

In other words, it is about minimizing the disruption of your leaving. When you resign, your boss immediately faces the reality of having to replace you, redistribute your responsibilities, and address your team’s morale.

3. Relationships might have already been been damaged.

One of the worst hidden risks of accepting a counteroffer is the hurt it does to your connection with your boss. 

When you resign, you’re giving a message that you’re not loyal and fully engaged in the company. Even if you take their counteroffer, the damage is done. Your boss will now view you as a flight risk and possibly start looking for your replacement. 

Thus potentially creating a strained and hostile relationship with your boss.

Maintaining Professional Relationships 

Declining a counteroffer may be tricky while keeping things professional. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your professional relationship with your former company after rejecting their counteroffer. 

1. Be honest and respectful.

When you receive a counteroffer, immediately express gratitude for the offer. Pay attention to why the employer values you enough to present an offer and the time they took to show the counter. 

Be straightforward in discussing your reasons for remaining in your new position and how it’s a sales job offer that even the counter and new position cannot address. 

2. Deliver the news professionally.

Once you’ve finally decided, delivering the news professionally is essential. Talk to your boss and discuss your decision and the reasons behind it. 

Be straightforward and straightforward to say you genuinely appreciate the counteroffer and the company’s confidence in you; however, after consideration, you’ve decided to pursue another sale job opportunity because it fits into future career goals better. 

Find a way to keep a positive tone, and in your discussion, do not comment negatively about the company or team.

3. Reinforce your commitment to a smooth transition.

Even though you’re leaving, you can extend a helping hand by offering to help your replacement transition to the work you’ll be leaving behind. It will create a positive and professional relationship with your former company and show that you care about the company’s success. 

Don’t Just Accept Counteroffers—Think About it a Hundred Times!

Counteroffers were made to be enticing. However, it’s always important to remember that companies always do something for a reason. Always remember why you resigned and opted to change to the many sales jobs in Chicago in the first place. 

So, no matter how tempting the offer is, the hidden risk outweighs the rewards it could bring.

Succeed in Your New Sales Role!

Congratulations! You are about to land your next sales position. With the help of Sales Recruiters Chicago, you can find a sales job that fits your professional goals. We are a sales recruitment specialist firm that connects top companies with exceptional talents. Submit your resume here or apply for open jobs to get started.