What do you do if you receive a counteroffer during salary negotiations?

In my experience an internal counteroffer is flattering but often too late. You may be resentful if you accept it since it took leaving to get what you thought you deserved. If this might be you, then I would pause before accepting and think about your long-term career aspirations. To avoid this conundrum, I would suggest being clear and proactive on what you want and managing up to exhaust all resources internally, if you are open to staying with the company, before seeking external opportunities.

First of expect a counter and be prepared ahead of time. When evaluating a counteroffer, it's essential to consider long-term career goals and whether the offer truly enhances your trajectory. A counteroffer may be a stopgap for your employer, so assess if it includes opportunities for advancement, professional development, and aligns with your values. Remember, accepting a counteroffer can sometimes affect workplace dynamics and trust, so weigh the potential impact on your reputation and relationships with colleagues.

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If this is a new job that you are applying to, consider the following 1) Why are you leaving your current job? And what do you possibly get on the new one? 2) Have you considered the work culture, your own experience through the interview process etc? Is this promising? 3) Have you spoken to any one at the new firm or researched on growth opportunities in the new firm as a part of your interview prep? If yes, are they looking good? 4) Have you researched on how much similar roles are paid in other companies? Once you answer the above questions, use your reflection points from above to present your own counter-offer. Consider "Is this job worth losing over a few bucks?, given all the other benefits and likely opportunities?"

In my view we can evaluate something when we have Success criteria or know what do we want. Eg: Growth as in accountability, exposure, money, work life balance, flexibility, domain knowledge, learning new skills etc. Once we know what we want we can work on how to get there. That lays the path to evaluate the intent and say yes or no.

:= Evaluate the full package, including salary and non-financial benefits, like vacation time and flexible working conditions. := Assess how the counteroffer aligns with career goals, not just immediate financial gains. := Look at the offer's impact on career trajectory and personal life to ensure alignment with long-term objectives.

Evaluate All Components: Look beyond salary - benefits, work-life balance, and growth opportunities are important too. Compare with Market Standards: Research industry norms for a comprehensive understanding of what’s fair. Prioritize Your Needs: Identify what aspects are most important to you and negotiate accordingly.

The most important thing during a job change should not be salary hike alone but also your career path. Does this role fit your career goals in the next 5 years? Are you going to perform the previous tasks again or are you going to do something new and challenging?

Evaluating a counteroffer is like deciding which path to take on a hike. The counteroffer (familiar trail) might seem comfortable and secure, but does it lead to the breathtaking vista (your dream career) you're looking for? The new opportunity (uncharted path) might be challenging, but could it take you to exciting new heights (greater growth)? Consider your long-term goals (the mountain peak) before choosing your path. Bonus "Ado" Hack: Don't be afraid to consult your trail map (career plan) before making a decision! Think back to your initial reasons for considering a new job. Did you crave new skills or advancement opportunities?

Identify Goals: Understand where you want to be in your career in the short and long term. Plan Steps: Determine the necessary skills, experiences, and roles to reach your goals. Seek Guidance: Utilize mentors, career counselors, and professional networks for advice and opportunities.

Great points to ponder upon. At times we make decisions to stay in our comfort zone, where we see what we are getting but same time we are letting go the opportunities to grow!! Growth happens when we step outside from our comfort zone. So negotiating salary vs counteroffer has its pros and cons. Career path’s Actual vs desired gap is nothing but the choices we have made over period of time.

Growth happens when we are outside our comfort zone into strategic discomfort zone. Emotive when kept aside they give clarity to think through deeply.

Growth happens when we are outside our comfort zone into strategic discomfort zone. Emotive when kept aside they give clarity to think through deeply.