Dear Matt: I decided to leave my current employer because I received an offer from another company. I went to put in my two weeks' notice with my manager — but then my employer surprised me with a counter offer of a salary increase and promotion promise. Should I be cautious?
Matt says: The Twin Cities information technology job market is hot and local managers are making these exact types of moves to keep good talent, says Jacqui Snyder, an IT Recruiter with Minneapolis-based Infinity Consulting Solutions, Inc. (infinity-cs.com).
"The employee is often flattered and accepts the offer," says Snyder.
Money talks. But should you listen?
"Unfortunately, accepting a counter offer is more often than not a very poor choice in the long run," says Snyder.
Here's why.
People who are looking for a new job aren't necessarily looking just for a raise, says Snyder. There's often an underlying reason, such as not getting along with their manager or co-workers; lack of upward mobility; a long commute; a workplace that isn't flexible; problems with corporate culture; long hours. The reasons vary for each individual.
"When the employee receives the counter offer, the flattery and the raise will make them stay," says Snyder. "However, the reasons that caused the employee to want to leave remain the same."
