There is a shortage of IT professionals throughout the U.S. When you accept another position, your current employer will usually give you a counter offer to stay.

It is any inducement (money, working conditions, promotion, etc.) from your current employer to convince you to stay after you’ve announced your resignation.

What will your manager say to retain you?

• We really like you personally.
• I’ve been meaning to tell you about the new/exciting project/responsibilities we had in mind for you.
• We were going to schedule you for training classes.
• We were just about to give you a raise.

What is your manager really thinking when you give your resignation notice?

• The project’s already behind schedule.
• I already have to hire one person, this would make two.
• I don’t want to retrain someone else.
• Maybe I can convince him/her to stay until I can find a replacement.

• Why didn’t your employer take care of you before? - Do you need to resign in order to get more money, etc.?
• The money for the counter offer is probably your next raise early.
• Your coworkers will resent the money, working conditions, promotion, etc. that you’ll receive.
• From now on, your employer will feel uncertain about your loyalty/not fully trust you.
• Your real reasons for leaving still exist (better commute, better technology/training, more responsibilities, better company).