From a recruiter/hiring manager’s perspective, the counteroffer can be the most frustrating thing that happens in a recruitment process. Particularly when a candidate decides to stay put.

Now, ultimately, if you are looking for a new challenge, you should never feel intimidated by a recruiter or employer to take a job offered. Any recruiter pushing you to leave an employer has only one thing they want – a commission.

My advice to anyone deciding to seek a new challenge (for whatever reason) is always to give it some thought as to why you want to leave your current employer, and what you would do if they made a counteroffer to stay.

A new client recently got in touch as they had been on the receiving end of someone declining a job after a lengthy process.

They were frustrated that the outcome was negative and contacted us for help and advice.

The candidate they had chosen stayed put after a little more money was found. Promises had been made if they stayed…

Being a human process, there are no absolute guarantees someone will change jobs, but possibly by writing down pros and cons to leaving and considering what you would do if counter-offered may have helped slightly.

Invariably, trust can be broken by staying put, promises may remain unfulfilled, and the company you almost joined may feel differently about hiring you in future.

So please, if you are looking to leave an employer, have a good think about what to do if counter-offered. It could save you a lot of time.