At STAR Network Technology, our Senior Technical Recruiting Professionals provide very high caliber, extremely qualified technical candidates to our Clients. Our Interview to Hire ratio has a track record that is the envy of our industry. Because our candidates are so well qualified, many of them receive a Counter-Offer. This is the topic of our "Monthly HOT TIPS Article 2"

You've been approached by another company, and offered a position that should allow a good career growth opportunity, and a moderate to great increase in compensation. You've analyzed, if not agonized over, the decision to leave a good (or bad) job that your comfortable with for what could be a better one, and have accepted, or decided to accept, the new position. However, upon tendering your resignation, your current boss asks you to please, stay.
This appeal is known as a counter-offer,... or buy back !!

In recent years, it seems to be the norm, especially in the high-tech disciplines and almost the expected course of action in the Silicon Valley. "It's almost like a part of the accepted divorce proceedings, and allows the boss to save face with his boss, "especially if he originally hired you, explained one departing executive. "And it sometimes has to take its course."

But take care not to fall into the trap,... or be blind-sided to your own detriment. You should understand what's about to be cast upon you. Counter-offers are typically made in conjunction with some form of flattery. Such as:

• You're too valuable, and we need you.

• You can't desert the team... or your friends and leave them hanging... (guilt trip).

• We were just about to promote/raise you, and it was very confidential... til now !!!

• What did they offer ? Why were you leaving ? and what do you need to stay here ?

• Why would you want to work for that company?

• The President wants to meet with you before you make your final decision.

Counters usually take the form of:
1. More money

2. Promotion/more responsibility

3. Modified reporting structure

4. Promises of above or future considerations, and/or

5. Disparaging remarks about the new company or job, and/or

6. Guilt trips