Counteroffer Conversation Prep

A candidate who has accepted, or is close to accepting, may get a counteroffer from their current employer. I want to handle it honestly and without pressure. Be my sounding board.

What they told us pushed them to look: {{CANDIDATE_REASONS}}
Our offer against what they said they wanted: {{OFFER_VS_WANTS}}
What we can still adjust (through the hiring manager and HR): {{FLEXIBILITY}}

First, list the open, curious questions I should ask now to find out what would make staying or leaving the right move, so that a counteroffer is not a surprise. Second, give me honest talking points on how our role relates to the reasons they gave. No pressure, no exaggeration, and no claims about their current employer. Third, write two or three lines I can use if they say "they've matched it". Fourth, write down what I should never say: threats, false deadlines, promises I cannot keep. Fifth, tell me how to take a "no" gracefully and keep the relationship.

Throughout, remember the decision is theirs. If a pay change would help, remind me to route it through the hiring manager and HR so it stays consistent with peers.

Format: five short headed sections, scripts in quotation marks.