How to manage counteroffers

Chitra Gulati • June 25, 2023

In the world of job hunting, the excitement of receiving an offer from a prospective employer can quickly turn into a dilemma when a counter offer is presented. The allure of better compensation, improved benefits, or an enticing work environment can make it challenging to decide between sticking with the original offer or exploring the possibilities that a counter offer presents.

In our recent 2023 Employment and Salary Trends Report, we revealed that 79% of hiring managers experienced more counter offers in 2022 than ever before.

When considering resignation and the potential for counter offers, it's important to approach the situation with careful consideration. Here are three tips to help you navigate this delicate scenario:

Reflect on your reasons for leaving
Before resigning, assess your motivations for seeking a new opportunity. Determine if the counter offer addresses the underlying issues that prompted your decision – remember money isn’t everything.

Evaluate the counteroffer objectively
Don’t just ignore the counteroffer. Consider whether the counteroffer aligns with your long-term career goals, taking into account compensation, benefits, and other relevant factors.

Communicate professionally
Maintain open and honest communication with both your current employer and the potential new employer. Express gratitude for the counter offer while respectfully explaining your decision to move forward with your original plans.

Find the job you love I Find the right talent
Get in touch with people2people

Australia   I   United Kingdom

In business since 2002 in Australia, NZ, and the United Kingdom, people2people is an award-winning recruitment agency with people at our heart. With over 12 offices, we specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Large Agency and Excellence in Candidate Care Awards, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.



Share insights

Recent articles

By Aiden Boast December 14, 2025
Australia’s latest Wage Price Index shows wage growth steady at 0.8% for the September 2025 quarter and 3.4% annually. Explore what this means for real wages, labour market conditions, and employer planning for 2026.
By Aiden Boast December 7, 2025
A detailed breakdown of Australia’s 2025 employment landscape, exploring hiring trends, AI’s impact on job search and recruitment, shifting candidate expectations, and strategic insights to help employers prepare for 2026.
By Leanne Lazarus December 1, 2025
A comprehensive look at how Australia’s 2025 workplace legislation shaped HR practices, covering wage theft, sexual harassment reforms, psychosocial risks and the right to disconnect, with insights to prepare for 2026.
By Liz Punshon November 23, 2025
Explore why burnout is rising across Australia, the workplace factors driving it and what leaders can do to support wellbeing, reduce stress and create healthier work environments.
By Ben Wheeler November 18, 2025
Explore how AI is transforming finance, operations, and the wider workforce in Australia, with insights on generative AI, automation, and the future of work from a recent AU Market Update.

Latest Media Features


Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us