How to professionally decline a Counteroffer: Maintain your Relationship with a Former Employer
If you decide to decline the counteroffer, doing it professionally will maintain your relationship with your former employer. Politely tell your current employer that you appreciate them wanting to keep you, and you learned a lot in your current position. However, your new position offers better career growth or work-life balance and money is not the main motivator in your decision. Here's how to decline a counteroffer successfully:
1. Know your worth
The first step to rejecting a counteroffer is to know your worth. Don't let your current employer make you feel guilty, pressured, or doubtful about your value. Remember why you wanted to leave in the first place, and how the new offer aligns with your career goals, skills, and interests.
If the counteroffer is not significantly better than the new offer, or does not address the issues that made you unhappy, then it's not worth considering.
2. Be respectful and professional
The second step to rejecting a counteroffer is to be respectful and professional. You don't want to burn bridges or damage your reputation by being rude, dishonest, or ungrateful. Thank your current employer for the opportunity and the counteroffer, but explain that you have decided to pursue another opportunity that is more suitable for you.
Avoid getting into details or comparisons, and focus on the positive aspects of your experience and the future. Express your appreciation for their support and understanding, and offer to help with the transition.
3. Be firm and decisive
The third step to rejecting a counteroffer is to be firm and decisive. Don't leave any room for ambiguity or negotiation, as this will only prolong the process and create more stress. Once you have made your decision, stick to it and don't look back.
Don't let your current employer try to convince you otherwise, or make you feel guilty or disloyal.
Politely decline any further discussions or meetings, and reiterate your gratitude and commitment to the new offer. If possible, have a written confirmation of your resignation and the new offer, and keep them handy in case of any disputes.
4. State your rejection clearly
When it comes to declining a job counteroffer, it's important to be clear about the fact that you are passing on the opportunity. This is a part that is easy to skip when you are focused on being diplomatic and complimentary.
Including unnecessary details may leave your employer wondering exactly what your intention is.
That doesn't mean you need to be harsh, but being brief and direct is key.
For example, you can say, "After serious consideration, I have decided to decline the offer that you extended to me last Thursday."
5. Give a short, yet honest reason for declining the job
You may be tempted not to explain why you are declining the offer. However, providing an honest reason is often better than leaving your employer to make assumptions.
You might say something like "While your offer for increased vacation days was thoughtful and generous, XYZ Company provides the career growth that I want to prioritize, so I intend to accept their job offer."
You don't have to include all of the details of rejecting the counteroffer but highlight the key points. It also helps to mention some of the aspects that you enjoyed about your current company to reemphasise your gratitude.
6. Handover
Prepare a handover document and inform your employer that you are actively working on it.
Assure them that you will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition for your replacement.
Additionally, if there's someone within the team you can recommend for training during your notice period, suggest this to help facilitate a seamless handover.
7. Notice period
Whenever possible, respect the notice period outlined in your contract, as your employer needs this time to recruit your replacement. Avoid booking annual leave during your notice period if you are expected to assist with the handover.
8. Provide a referral
You won't always be able to give a referral after rejecting a counteroffer. However, if you know someone currently looking for a job and could be a qualified candidate for your current position, offer to provide their name and contact information. For instance, you can say, "If you want to fill this position immediately, I do know someone who could be a great fit. It would be my pleasure to pass along their contact information."
Making the offer shows a certain level of consideration and care, but be sure to contact any potential referrals before you make the recommendations and discuss the job details with them.
9. Resignation Letter: Express Your Willingness to Keep in Touch
Finally, write a professional letter that highlights your key learnings and expresses genuine thanks, if appropriate. Your employer or supervisor may serve as a valuable reference for future job opportunities.
You can also close your resignation or rejection letter by expressing appreciation for your time with the company and your desire to stay connected Consider connecting with them on social media to maintain a casual way of keeping in touch.
Maintaining professional connections can be valuable for your career, as you never know where your network might lead in the future.
The final step to rejecting a counteroffer is to celebrate your success. You should be proud of yourself for taking charge of your career, and for making a difficult but rewarding decision. You should also be excited about the new opportunity, and the challenges and opportunities it will bring.
Celebrate your achievement with your friends, family, or mentors, and reward yourself with something that makes you happy. You deserve it!
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