By Doug Schade You have found a new job, and put in your resignation, but your manager tells you that you are important and a key asset to the firm and provides you with an excellent counteroffer. As a job seeker, having two job offers is definitely not a bad situation to be in, but what should you do now? Below is advice on how to handle the emotional aspect of the counteroffer.

• Stick to Your Guns: First of all, do not accept the counteroffer. When you make a decision to resign your job, you should be prepared for the company to ask that you stay, which plays on your emotions. It is important for job seekers to remain objective and put emotions aside. This is business, not personal.

• What’s In It for Them: In addition to appreciating your work and contributions, your company needs to take on the task of finding and training your replacement. So while it’s flattering to get the positive attention and perks of a counteroffer, remember you are leaving for many reasons and your departure is a bigger headache for the company than it is for you.

• It’s Hard to Unring That Bell: Let them know you appreciate the thought, but you have made up your mind to move on. When you allow the company to talk about your future possibilities after you resign, you're leading them on. Counteroffers rarely work for the employees or employers, so it’s best to show your appreciation, but kindly let your manager know your decision is final.

• Counteroffers Are Trending and Why: Currently, counteroffers are happening in every field, even more so in hot markets and employee-driven markets, such as the technology space. To counter the issue of searching for talent, some companies are willing to bend about the job requirements.The mid-level and senior developer space is in-demand right now. In the development space, this is dramatic as there are 20-30 engineers for every manager.

• Watch Out for the Sexy Offer:  While money used to be the go-to big counteroffer, currently big high-profile projects are what companies are offering to keep people at their job. Companies will go the extra step to find out what the job candidate wants for a project/job role, benefits such as working remotely/flexible hours or leadership role/technology growth. You need to review these counteroffers objectively, look beyond the company which was not giving you what you wanted before you decided to leave, and don’t fall for the emotional pressure or the "gift basket of goodies."
• Remember Why You Were Looking in the First Place: Job seekers need to remember why they began the job search. They need to ask themselves: “Why didn’t these offers come before I had a foot out the door? What will change if I decide to stay? Will these things come to fruition? Are these empty promises? Is it just a band-aid approach? Is the company just buying itself time to figure something out?”

• Are You Going to be Obligated to the Company? If a job seeker accepts the counteroffer and forces a company’s hand, they may begin to question every time you take a day off or a vacation. If you weren’t fulfilled by your job before, a new project or extra money is great (in the short term), but in the long run, it is probably better to go with your gut feeling and take that new job.

Doug Schade is a Principal with WinterWyman's Software Technology Search Division servicing the Greater Boston Area. He works with some of the most innovative start-ups through Fortune 500 Tech Giants and Developer/Engineering candidates at all levels. Prior to 2007, Doug was an Attorney with a practice focused on employment law. Doug graduated with Honors from Lafayette College and holds a J.D. from the University of Connecticut. He's licensed to practice law in the State of Connecticut.