Moving ahead in one’s corporate career is not always a smooth ride and in fact, at times it can be as challenging as finding the first job. According to the Career Builder survey, 56% of workers do not negotiate compensation when they are going for a new job. Another survey by Glassdoor shows that women are less likely to negotiate for more money than men.
Making the right career move, getting the desired role and the deserved salary all at the same time can become an unlikely possibility. For instance, you found the right opportunity to switch your current job, negotiated and cracked the desired salary package, and just then you are offered a counter offer by your current boss. Where does this make you stand on your exit strategy? What are the factors that you must consider before you make your choice to accept or reject the offer?
here are 4 things that you need to keep in mind while dealing with a counter offer
It is important that you thoroughly know why you were leaving your current company in the first place. Knowing your reasons well will help you make your case for negotiation stronger. Usually, an increment in pay or change in role and responsibilities are the things that must be discussed openly while negotiating a counter offer. Knowing why you want to switch jobs will also help you in deciding whether a counter offer is enough for you to continue working in the same place or not.
know if more money is all you want?
You must know if more money is what’s driving your decision and if that is what it will take for you to continue working at your current organization. Getting lower compensation than what you think you deserve can impact your job engagement as well as efficiency. So, this is indeed an important factor to consider for negotiation, but make sure that you factor in other job aspects such as work quality, work environment, your relationships and growth prospects at your current organization. An evaluation of where you stand in terms of qualification, skills, and experience as per the industry standards can help you analyze whether your salary is justified or not.
think ahead in terms of overall growth
This is the toughest as well as the most crucial point to consider while deciding about a counter offer. You must base your decision not only on the immediate benefits of staying or quitting, but also on your future goals. How do you want to shape your career in the next few years? What is it that you need to learn in order to grow in your work profile? Which organization will give you more opportunities to learn new skills? Which organization is more advanced technologically? These are some of the questions that you must answer before taking your final call.
break the news in a thoughtful manner
Once you have considered all the major factors and made your final choice between accepting the counter offer and moving ahead, you must reveal it in a thoughtful way. You may express your gratitude that you were considered for such an offer. In case you choose to reject the offer, you need to be more polite and considerate as you would still like to maintain positive professional relations with your manager and at the company. Being certain about your choice and knowing the reason well will make come across more affirmative, and that is a well-recognized professional trait.
In most instances, accepting a counter offer is trickier than moving along with your choice of quitting with a new opportunity. Neither breaking your commitment with your prospective employer nor revealing your intention of leaving your current workplace and then continuing presents you as a loyal employee. It is best that you weigh all your options well and reconsider why you had decided to look for another job opportunity in the first place. Having strong enough reasons shall help you sail through the tough decision and its negotiation.