Counter-Offer Decline Scripts
PROProfessional scripts and frameworks for confidently declining counter-offers from my current employer. Includes psychology of retention tactics, statistics on why accepting fails, and word-for-word decline templates.
Example Usage
I just resigned from my tech company job and received a counter-offer within 2 hours: $35K raise (to $185K), $50K guaranteed bonus, “Director-track” promotion in 6 months, and $15K signing bonus. The startup I’m joining offers $170K + 0.5% equity with remote-first culture. My current company is requiring RTO 3 days/week. How do I decline the counter-offer professionally without sounding ungrateful?
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Suggested Customization
| Description | Default | Your Value |
|---|---|---|
| Number of days to provide as final notice (14=US standard, 30=EU/senior) | 14 | |
| Hours to wait before responding to counter-offer | 48 | |
| Name of the company I'm joining | [New Company] | |
| My current manager's name | [Manager Name] | |
| How direct my decline should be: diplomatic, balanced, or direct | diplomatic | |
| My industry context: corporate, tech, creative, freelance, or sponsorship | corporate |
How to Use This Skill
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~/.claude/skills/counter-offer-decline-scripts/ - Reference in conversations: “Use the counter-offer decline scripts skill”
With ChatGPT, Gemini, or Copilot
Example Conversation Starter
“I just gave my two weeks notice and my company offered a 25% raise plus a promotion to Senior Manager within 6 months. The new job I accepted pays only 10% more but is fully remote. My current boss seemed hurt and said the team really needs me. Help me decline professionally.”
Research Sources
This skill was built using research from these authoritative sources:
- Counter-Offer Statistics & Turnover Data Community data showing 50-80% leave within 6 months, up to 90% within 12 months
- Never Accept a Counter Offer - HR Perspective HR professionals admit counter-offers are delay tactics, not value recognition
- Four Areas of Counter-Offer Manipulation Details remuneration promises, emotional attachment, promotion promises, and FOMO tactics
- Counter-Offer Decline Scripts & Professional Language Real-world scripts for declining politely and firmly with professional wording
- Exit Interview Dynamics Understanding how employers attempt last-minute retention through exit interviews
- Golden Handcuffs & Opportunity Cost Analysis Analysis of retention packages that trap employees long-term in wrong situations