Why Using a Job Offer to Negotiate Your Salary Isn’t the Best Move

Negotiating your salary is an important step in your career, but have you ever wondered if using a new job offer to push for a raise at your current company is the right move? It may seem tempting, but this is one strategy I don’t support.

Here’s why, and what you should do instead.

What It Says About Your Employer

If your employer only offers you a raise when you're ready to leave, that speaks volumes about how they value you. Why did it take you threatening to walk out the door for them to recognise your worth? This is a major red flag. A company that truly appreciates your contributions should be proactive, not reactive, when it comes to compensating you fairly.

The Fragility of Trust

Using an external job offer to negotiate your pay can damage the trust between you and your employer. While you may get a counteroffer, the reality is that this move often buys the company more time to find your replacement. You could find yourself back in the job market within six months as trust erodes and the relationship weakens.

A Temporary Fix

Studies show that employees who accept counteroffers rarely stay at the company for long. The core issues that led you to explore other opportunities, like feeling undervalued or overlooked, often remain unresolved. Accepting a counteroffer is like putting a band-aid on a deeper problem, and that’s why 80% of people who take them are back on the job hunt within half a year.

A Better Way to Negotiate

Instead of relying on an external offer to spark the salary conversation, why not be proactive and initiate an open dialogue about your value? Regular check-ins, showcasing your accomplishments, and requesting a salary review are far more effective ways to discuss your compensation. Not only does this preserve trust, but it also shows that you're committed to growing with the company rather than threatening to leave.

Time for a Bigger Conversation?

If you’re feeling undervalued at work, it might be time for a bigger conversation—about your growth, your future, and whether this role is truly the right fit for you. Being open and direct about your career aspirations can often lead to better results than using leverage from outside offers.

If you’re tired of feeling stuck and want to work towards a career that recognises your value, I’d love to help. Let’s explore what’s next for you, and how you can find a role that values your worth before you’ve got one foot out the door.

Rooting for your success,
Angel Kilian