Managing Counter offers
This Module focuses on the challenges recruiters face with counteroffers and offers strategic insights into managing and anticipating such situations. Counteroffers, or buybacks, typically occur when a candidate's current employer attempts to outbid a new job offer to retain them, usually with a higher salary. This situation can negatively impact all parties—clients think they've filled a position that suddenly becomes vacant again, recruiters lose their placement, and candidates may stay for the wrong reasons, such as salary. The key takeaway is that counteroffers should never be a surprise. Effective management begins at the initial interview, not when the counteroffer occurs. Recruiters should avoid lecturing candidates on the pitfalls of accepting counteroffers; instead, they should mentally walk candidates through their resignation process. Asking candidates to visualize their resignation day and predict their current employer's reaction can reveal their likelihood of being swayed by a counteroffer. This conversation helps to prepare candidates for what might happen and reinforces their commitment to moving on, thus safeguarding the recruiter's placement efforts.