The Counteroffer Curveball

Thursday afternoons often look calm from the outside. On paper, everything’s aligned. Offer accepted, start date agreed, references in progress.

Then the phone rings.

“Hi… I’ve had a chat with my current employer.”

You already know what’s coming.

The counteroffer.

Suddenly, the role that ticked every box this morning is being compared against familiarity, comfort, and a last-minute pay rise. It’s not just about money either, it’s emotion, timing, and doubt creeping in.

This is where the job really begins.

You’re not “selling” a role. You’re helping someone step back, look at why they wanted to move in the first place, and make a decision they won’t regret in six months’ time.

Meanwhile, the client is expecting an update. Their pipeline is built around this hire landing.

It’s a delicate balance. No pressure, but plenty at stake.

Sometimes you save it. Sometimes you don’t.

But every experienced recruiter knows one thing, a counteroffer is never just a number. It’s a moment that tests the entire process.