What Is a Counter Offer? Should Candidates Accept It?
When a candidate decides to accept a job offer from a new company, sometimes their current employer will try to retain them by making a counter offer. This is a counter-proposal that usually includes a salary increase, a promotion, or additional benefits to persuade the candidate to stay. But this raises an important question: should candidates accept a counter offer?
What Is a Counter Offer?
A counter offer is a response from a candidate’s current employer after the candidate has accepted or is about to accept a job offer from another company. Typically, this offer is made as an expression of appreciation or a last-ditch effort to retain a valued employee.
This offer often includes:
- A higher salary
- A new position or promotion
- Additional bonuses
- A more flexible working arrangement
The goal is clear: to keep the employee from leaving, because finding and training a replacement can be time-consuming and costly.
Should You Accept a Counter Offer?
Although it might seem appealing financially or in terms of status, accepting a counter offer is not always the wisest move. Here are some key considerations before saying yes:
1. Why Did You Want to Leave in the First Place?
Ask yourself: why did you consider leaving your current job? Was it due to a toxic work environment, lack of career growth, or feeling underappreciated? If these reasons still exist, a higher paycheck won’t fix the core issues.
2. Your Employer’s Motivation
Often, counter offers are not made to further your career but simply to avoid the inconvenience of losing you. Once the short-term crisis is over, you may find your position stagnates—or worse, becomes unstable.
3. Impact on Your Professional Reputation
If you’ve already accepted an offer from another company but then back out due to a counter offer, it could damage your professional reputation. This is especially true when the recruitment was handled by an employment agency or outsourcing company, as they risk their credibility when recommending candidates.
4. The Numbers Don’t Lie
Studies show that most employees who accept a counter offer still leave their company within 6 to 12 months. This suggests counter offers tend to delay a decision rather than solve the root problem.
The Perspective of Outsourcing and Employment Agencies
In the hiring ecosystem, employment agencies and outsourcing companies often face the challenge of counter offers. It’s a major concern, as it affects their relationship with clients and delays the hiring process.
In major cities like Jakarta, this dynamic is quite common. Many companies rely on outsourcing Jakarta firms or trusted employment agencies like RecruitFirst Indonesia, because they understand how to manage risks like this.
Tips for Handling a Counter Offer
If you receive a counter offer, here’s what you should do:
- Re-evaluate your long-term career goals.
- Talk to a mentor or someone objective.
- Compare the work culture and career growth opportunities at both companies.
- Think long-term, not just about immediate financial gain.
Remember, your decision will shape your career path. Don’t make a rushed choice just because of a higher salary.
Professional Recruitment with RecruitFirst Indonesia
In today’s competitive job market, partnering with a trusted employment agency or outsourcing company is essential. RecruitFirst Indonesia is your strategic partner, helping companies find the best talent and guiding candidates to make informed, sustainable career decisions.
As part of the Asia-based HRnetGroup, RecruitFirst Indonesia understands the dynamics of the job market, including how to navigate the challenges of counter offers. We help candidates take control of their career journeys with both professionalism and a personal touch.
Want to know more about our services as an outsourcing company and employment agency in Jakarta? Contact us at RecruitFirst Indonesia today!
