Photo by Jacqueline Munguía on Unsplash
This article is for candidates who would appreciate some insight into what a counter offer is and how to make one effectively.
First, let me congratulate you on receiving an offer! You have interviewed with the team and done your job. They want you and now you need to decide if you want to commit to the role as your next great opportunity. Often, the answer is “Yes” but with some conditions. By the way, if the answer is “No”, or if the role just doesn’t feel right, please be a professional and respectfully exit the process. Respect the other candidates still in the process and the time that everyone is investing.
Ok, so let’s get back to your answer being “Yes” but with some conditions. This is essentially what a counter offer is…a counter offer is a conditional acceptance of an offer.
Let me say that again, “A counter offer is a conditional acceptance of an offer.”
If you propose a counter offer, you are asking an employer, who has already said “Yes” to your candidacy, to do more work to meet your needs. It might be the hiring manager, upper management, or HR, but the bottom line is that when you present a counter offer, you are asking someone to do more work. Implicit to this action is that if the company can meet your counter offer needs, you will say “Yes”. The tire kicking and due diligence period is over. If this doesn’t quite make sense to you, consider the following example:
Employer: Super excited to have you on the team Jo, we would like to offer $48/hr and two weeks vacation.
Candidate: That sounds very good. I’d like to respectfully present a counter offer requesting $50/hr and three weeks vacation.
Employer: (consults with HR and upper management)...Ok, we can meet your needs! When would you like to start?
Candidate: Nevermind, I decided not to leave my current position. Good luck!
Put yourself in the role of the Candidate and read this exchange. It might seem reasonable and how the game is played.
Now put yourself in the role of the Employer and read it again.
How would you feel if you were the Employer? Are you frustrated? How do you think HR and upper management feel about your ability to get the job done? Is everyone wondering why the candidate did not accept? How do you feel about the Candidate? Do you still view them in exactly the same way or do you now have some questions about their professionalism or maturity?
As a strong candidate, you may be blessed with multiple offers and you have the absolute right to pick the opportunity that is best for you. But as you consider the outcome, also consider the process and impression that your candidacy will leave on each employer. This is your reputation and it will stay with you your entire career. Reputations are a form of brand and just like any brand they can take forever to build and a second to sully.
Do yourself a favor and research how to do a great job as a candidate of managing communication with the employer once you receive an offer. Make some notes and plan to have a process. While you will end up accepting only one role, every company that makes you an offer will be left with an impression. Make it a great one and the door may be open in the future for a great fit!
Written by: Austin Meyermann, Founder and President of Hunter Crown, LLC
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