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What to Reply When Offered a Counteroffer to Stay

Getting a counteroffer after resigning can be flattering, but it also requires careful thought about why you wanted to leave in the first place. Your reply should reflect genuine consideration rather than an automatic yes or no.

Use these when

  • When you receive a counteroffer after resigning from a job
  • When you want to genuinely consider it without feeling pressured either way
  • When your original reasons for leaving weren't purely about salary

Skip these if

  • Don't accept a counteroffer purely out of guilt or pressure
  • Don't dismiss it immediately without at least considering the full offer
  • Don't forget the original reasons that made you want to leave

12 replies to choose from

Honest

I appreciate the offer, I need some time to think it over.

Honest

This means a lot, but my reasons for leaving go beyond just compensation.

Professional

Thank you for this, let me take a day to consider it properly.

Professional

I appreciate you valuing my work, I'll think this through carefully.

Firm

I've thought this through already, and I'm still planning to move on.

Firm

I appreciate the offer, but my decision to leave stands.

Confident

I'm grateful for this, but I believe the new opportunity is the right move for me.

Confident

This is flattering, but I'm confident in my decision to leave.

Short & Direct

I appreciate it, but I'm still moving forward with my decision.

Short & Direct

Thank you, I need to think about it.

Warm

I've really valued my time here, this offer means a lot.

Warm

Thank you for this, it wasn't an easy decision to begin with.

Make it fit your exact message

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Common questions

Should I accept a counteroffer?
It depends on whether your original reasons for leaving were purely financial or involved deeper issues like culture or growth.
Is it common for counteroffers not to work out long-term?
Many people who accept counteroffers end up leaving within a year anyway, since underlying issues often remain unresolved.
How do I decide between staying and taking the new opportunity?
Revisit your original reasons for job searching and weigh whether the counteroffer genuinely addresses them.

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