How to Tell Your Boss You Got Another Job Offer (+ Email Templates)
Telling your boss you’ve got another job offer can feel tricky. You want to keep things positive and professional, but also be clear about your decision.
This article teaches you how to tell your boss about a job offer from another company. It explains how to get ready for the talk, keep the conversation positive, and deal with any counteroffers. It also provides email templates to help you communicate clearly and professionally.
How to Tell Your Boss You Got Another Job Offer
Find out how to tell your boss about a new job offer in a clear and respectful way.
1. Think About Your Goals and Devise a Strategy
Before you bring up another job offer to your boss, it’s important to think carefully about what you really want. Are you looking for a career move, better pay, or more engaging work? Understanding your own goals will help you decide how to approach the conversation with your boss. If your aim is to stay with your current company but with better terms, you’ll need to figure out what those terms are before starting the talk.
Once you know what you want, you can start to plan how you will communicate this to your boss. This might involve gathering evidence of your achievements and the value you bring to the company or thinking about how your work aligns with the company’s goals. Preparing this in advance will make it easier to articulate your points clearly and confidently during your meeting.
2. Book Time on Your Supervisor’s Calendar
It’s essential to find the right time to have this discussion. Blind-siding your boss with a conversation about another job offer can lead to a reactive, rather than a thoughtful, response. Request a specific appointment for a private meeting, using your regular scheduling system or by sending an email. This shows respect for your boss’s time and signals that you have something important to discuss.
During this meeting, you’ll have their full attention, which will help you communicate more effectively. Make sure to choose a time when your boss isn’t swamped with work or immediately before a weekend or holiday. A calm, collected environment ensures your message is received in the tone you intended.
3. Keep Your Tone Positive
When you talk to your boss about another job offer, focus on speaking positively. This is not about highlighting what’s wrong with your current job, but rather about the opportunities the new position offers. By keeping your tone positive, you avoid burning bridges and keep the door open for future opportunities within your current company.
Emphasize how grateful you are for the opportunities and support your current employer has provided. This demonstrates maturity and professionalism, setting a respectful tone for the conversation. It also allows you to discuss your decision in a way that doesn’t feel like an ultimatum to your boss.
4. Prepare for a Counteroffer
Be ready for the possibility that your current employer might make you a counteroffer. Think in advance about whether there’s a counteroffer that would convince you to stay. If better compensation, a promotion, or more fulfilling work could change your mind, know what specifics you would need to see. This preparation ensures you can respond thoughtfully and not react impulsively during the conversation.
If you are open to a counteroffer, be clear about what changes would be necessary for you to reconsider your departure. On the other hand, if you’re set on leaving, preparing how to politely decline any counterproposal will make that part of the discussion smoother and more comfortable for both you and your boss.
5. Know How to Accept a Job Offer
Once you’ve made your decision, notify the new employer in writing, thanking them for the opportunity and confirming your start date and other necessary details. Then, inform your current boss and HR department in writing of your resignation, including your intended last day of work.
It’s important to express appreciation for your time with the current company and to offer assistance during the transition period. This might involve helping to train your replacement or documenting your current projects. Such gestures help maintain a positive relationship with your former employer and colleagues.
6. Negotiate the Job Offer Into a Raise
If your main reason for considering a new job is financial, you may be able to use the job offer as leverage for a raise with your current company. However, approach this delicately. Clearly communicate the value you bring to your team and how a raise would reflect the fair market value for your work. Provide specific examples of your contributions to the company’s success as part of your argument.
However, be prepared that using another job offer as leverage can sometimes backfire. Your employer may view this tactic as a lack of loyalty and could even start looking for your replacement. Therefore, only take this route if you are truly prepared to leave and if you believe that the offer from the other company aligns more closely with your career goals and financial needs.
3 Email Templates for Telling Your Boss About Another Job Offer
When you have a new job offer and need to inform your current boss, it’s crucial to do so with professionalism and grace. Below are three email templates that can help you navigate this sensitive conversation.
Template 1: Straightforward Notification
Subject: Opportunity for Career Growth - Meeting Request
Dear [Boss's Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to share some news regarding a recent development in my professional journey.
Recently, I was approached with an opportunity that aligns closely with my career goals and aspirations. After careful consideration, I have decided to accept a job offer from another organization.
I wanted to discuss this with you personally and talk about the next steps for a smooth transition. Could we schedule a meeting at your earliest convenience?
Thank you for your understanding and support. I’ve greatly valued my time here and look forward to ensuring a seamless handover of my responsibilities.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Template 2: Open to Discussion
Subject: Exploring New Horizons - Let’s Talk
Dear [Boss's Name],
I hope you’re having a good day. I wanted to let you know that I have been offered a new position elsewhere that offers a significant growth opportunity for me. This has given me a lot to think about regarding my career path.
Before making any decisions, I believe it’s important to discuss with you any possible room for growth or change in my current role that might influence my decision. Could we arrange a time to have this conversation?
I sincerely appreciate your guidance and the opportunities I've been given here, and I am looking forward to your feedback.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Template 3: Declining a Counteroffer Ahead
Subject: Difficult Decisions and New Beginnings
Dear [Boss's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to share some recent developments in my career. After much deliberation, I have accepted a job offer with another company.
While this decision was not easy, it aligns with my long-term career objectives. I want to express my gratitude for the opportunities for growth and development you’ve provided during my tenure here.
Knowing the team might consider a counteroffer, I must convey that my decision is final, and I believe this move is in the best interest of my career path. I am committed to assisting with a smooth transition over the coming weeks.
Thank you for your understanding and support. I value the experiences and connections I’ve gained here and hope to stay in touch.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Final Thoughts
Having the right words to tell your boss about a new job offer makes a big difference. The email templates provided aim to keep the conversation respectful and focused. They guide you whether you’re leaving, considering a counteroffer, or just informing them about your new job. This approach helps you maintain a good relationship with your current employer, making the transition smoother for both you and them.
