Resignation & Counteroffer

While resigning from your current position can be emotional and sometimes stressful, there are several things you can do to make the process go smoothly and quickly.

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Put it in writing. Handing your boss your resignation letter is the  most effective way to handle an uncomfortable situation. It is formal and will become a part of your permanent record protecting you.
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We strongly suggest that you do not talk about counteroffers- it is the single worst thing you can do during the resignation process. The mistake people make when resigning is thinking it is polite to listen to what the company has to say or will try to do. Unless you want to accept a counteroffer, it is not polite. It is far worse than saying, “Thank you, I appreciate that, but this is a decision that has been made. I did not make it lightly and I have signed with another company. I don’t go back on my word.” If you do not intend to take a counteroffer, DO NOT get into discussions. Research counteroffers on Google for more information or talk to your recruiter.
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The sooner you can get out and move on, the better. Always be sure to give a fair notice, but ask to be relieved as soon as possible. The company will get by without you-don’t forget that. Going forward you owe your energy and loyalty to yourself and to your new opportunity. You can always offer to be available by phone for questions after your notice period.
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Give some thought about the reason you plan to depart your position before telling your employer. You need a valid, polite reason – don’t say anything they may take personally or take offense to. Don’t say headhunted if you weren’t, don’t say money, and don’t say better work. Come up with something true that won’t offend. Location, specific project / technology you want to work on, industry of the company you are joining, etc. Something they can’t argue with and aren’t offended by.
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We suggest that you do not tell anyone else in the company before you tell your boss. Your boss might ask you not to tell the team until they have an opportunity to announce it – respect that.
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Imagine if your employer lost a project, ran out of funds, or had any problem which resulted in them needing to do layoffs…do you think they wouldn’t? It is a business relationship i.e., employment contract. If they had to let you go they might feel terrible, but they would do it. Both sides take care of their own interests . Don’t forget that. Do not burn bridges. You never know what the future holds.
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Talk to your recruiter to get advice on how to resign in a way that is less stressful and does not burn bridges (keep us up to date). We can help keep this as smooth and painless as possible.

Statistics show that if you accept a counteroffer, the probability of voluntarily leaving or being let go within six months to one year is extremely high. 85% of people who accept counteroffers are gone in six months, and 90% of people who accept counteroffers are gone in twelve months. Either because the initial reasons you started job hunting are still there or because your relationship with your employer has been damaged.

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What type of company do you work for if you have to threaten to resign before they give you what you are worth?

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Where is the money for the counteroffer coming from? Is it your next raise early? All companies have strict wage and salary guidelines which must be followed.

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Your company might start looking for a new person at a cheaper price. In many cases you could be training your replacement.

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You have now made your employer aware that you are unhappy. If you decide to stay, from this day on, your loyalty will always be in question.

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When promotion time comes around your employer will remember who was loyal and who was not.

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When times get tough your employer might begin the cutback… with you.

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The same circumstances that now cause you to consider a change will repeat themselves in the future even if you accept a counteroffer. Things about your position and company rarely change.

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Once the word gets out, the relationship that you now enjoy with your co-workers will never be the same. You risk losing the satisfaction of peer group acceptance.