I was recently contacted about another job, went through the interviews, and received a job offer. They are offering 30% more than what I am making currently, but during the in-person interview I realized the job was a lot different than what they had portrayed. So the question is, have any of you received a job offer from a job they were not going to take, but presented the offer to your current employer for a raise?

I was in this situation back in March and my current employer countered with MORE than the offer letter. I was obviously underpaid for years but am happy I stayed put. I was given a $13 K pay increase basically overnight.

I'd suggest being honest. Assuming you have a decent relationship with you boss, go to them and be honest. Tell them you got this offer, would prefer to stay, but let them know what the new # is.

I think it depends. Are you underpaid now? At one of my previous jobs I asked for raises for 1-2 years and got squat. I always told them when it comes time for me to leave, do not offer me more money then, as it will be too late. Guess what happened, when I put in my notice, their question was "how much will it take for you to stay?". My answer? Nothing. Why am I worth more today than I was yesterday?

As others mentioned, I think it matters on the relationship you have and what the culture is like. I certainly wouldn't turn down the position first if you plan to have the talk at your current company in case you are shown the door. That kind of raise isn't a small amount - so I would have to look at what does the new job offer and would I be happy doing it? Money isn't everything.

What is different about the new job compared to how it was presented? It sounds like the differences are worse, and causing you to not want to take the new job despite the higher offer.
It sounds like you want to stay at the current gig but would also like a raise. I'm not sure this current other job is the best way to ask for more money if your ultimate goal is to stay longer term at the current job.

I'll give you advice that is a little bit different, but only if you are a top performer. Aggie00 is spot on that you should be prepared to walk. Set up a meeting with your boss, tell them you were approached for another position and that you decided to talk with the potential employer and were surprised with a very generous offer. Say that you like your current company but would like to earn market value for your labor, as evidenced by your external offer. Have a discussion around what you want to achieve, you don't want to be punished in future opportunities / comp by looking outside, but you feel strongly that you're worth more. See where it leads. Their reaction will tell you if you should accept the other offer.

If you aren't a top performer, don't bother. Either swallow it or move on. All of that said, you looked outside for a reason, would a 30% increase keep you happy? If the new job has better trajectory, why wait?

Unemployment is extremely low and it's a bloodbath to find people.

Not saying OP isn't good at his job, but being able to find another job isn't a key indicator that someone is good.

TecRecAg said:

---

Unemployment is extremely low and it's a bloodbath to find people.

Not saying OP isn't good at his job, but being able to find another job isn't a key indicator that someone is good.

---

Isn't that the same as saying, its hard to find people at the current salary companies are offering?