What is Counter Offer?
A counter offer is a revised proposal made to keep you — from your current employer when you resign, or a new employer responding to your terms.
- Counteroffer
- Retention offer
Updated 2026-07-25 · one of 47 terms in the OnJob career glossary
Key takeaways
- A counter offer is a revised proposal made to keep you — from your current employer when you resign, or a new employer responding to your terms.
- Also called Counteroffer, Retention offer.
- In India, counter offers are increasingly common in competitive fields.
- Weigh a counter offer carefully: consider why you wanted to leave, the long-term role, and not just the immediate raise.
What does Counter Offer mean?
A counter offer is a renegotiated proposal in the hiring or resignation process. Most commonly it is your current employer's attempt to retain you — with a higher salary, promotion or new terms — after you submit your resignation.
How does Counter Offer work in India?
In India, counter offers are increasingly common in competitive fields. A new employer can also make a counter offer if you negotiate the initial package. Either way, it reopens the discussion on compensation and role.
Why does Counter Offer matter to a jobseeker?
Weigh a counter offer carefully: consider why you wanted to leave, the long-term role, and not just the immediate raise. Negotiating from a genuine, well-researched position helps you decide objectively.
Is Counter Offer the same as Retention offer?
Yes — Counter Offer is also commonly called Counteroffer, Retention offer. A counter offer is a revised proposal made to keep you — from your current employer when you resign, or a new employer responding to your terms.
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