How to Navigate a Counteroffer With Confidence

You have accepted a new job offer. You have handed in your notice. Then your current employer responds with a counteroffer, a pay rise, a new title, or a promise that things will improve.

Now you are stuck between two options. Do you stick with the new role you were excited about, or do you stay where you are with the promise of better conditions?

Counteroffers can feel flattering, but they are not always what they seem. It is easy to make a quick decision based on emotion, pressure, or short-term comfort. Here is how to navigate the situation with confidence and make a decision that supports your long-term goals.

1. Revisit Your Original Reasons for Leaving

Before you do anything else, take a step back and ask yourself why you started job hunting in the first place. Was it about salary, or something deeper?

Common reasons people look to move on include lack of development, poor leadership, burnout, limited flexibility, or a mismatch in values. If your concerns go beyond pay, ask yourself whether those issues are truly going to change, or if they are simply being pushed aside temporarily.

Many people who accept counteroffers end up leaving a few months later because those deeper problems remain. A higher salary is nice, but it cannot fix a broken culture or lack of opportunity.

2. Ask Why the Offer Is Coming Now

Timing matters. If you were underpaid or overlooked for months, why is your employer only offering you more money or a new opportunity now?

Often, counteroffers are made to avoid disruption. Replacing staff takes time, effort and money, especially in specialist roles. If the counteroffer feels like a reactive move to keep you in place, rather than a genuine investment in your growth, you may want to think twice.

Ask yourself honestly whether you would feel truly valued by staying, or just necessary in the short term.

3. Look Beyond the Immediate Pay Rise

A salary increase is the most common part of a counteroffer. But is it enough? If you were planning to leave for a reason beyond money, then more money might only keep you in the role for a few more months.

Compare your long-term prospects in both roles. Does the new opportunity offer better progression, stronger leadership, or more meaningful work? Does it align better with your values or lifestyle? These things are harder to measure but often make the biggest difference over time.

4. Be Clear on What Is Actually Changing

If you are tempted to stay, make sure you are clear on what has changed. Is the pay rise permanent? Are you being promised new responsibilities, better support, or more flexible hours? Are those changes written down or just mentioned in conversation?

If your decision depends on specific improvements, get them confirmed formally. Otherwise, you could end up right back where you started.

5. Make a Decision and Follow Through

Whichever route you choose, make your decision and commit to it. If you decide to stay, set expectations early and make sure you have what you need to feel supported moving forward.

If you are moving on, decline the counteroffer respectfully and continue with your next steps. Be professional, firm, and polite. There is no need to justify your decision in detail, just thank them and move forward.

Final Thought

Counteroffers often create confusion, but they can also give you clarity if you take the time to reflect. Think about what matters most to you, not just today but in the months and years ahead.

Ask yourself this: does staying take me closer to where I want to go, or does it simply delay the change I know I need?

At Shape It Recruitment, we are here to support your decisions with honesty and insight. Whether you are exploring new roles or weighing up a counteroffer, we can help you make choices that serve your long-term success. Get in touch with us today!