How to Tell a Current Employer About Another Offer

So, you’ve landed a job offer that seems full of potential. But here’s the thing—you’re still employed, and now you have to break the news to your boss. Maybe you’re hoping for a counteroffer, you want to leave on good terms, or you just believe in being upfront. Whatever the reason, telling your current employer about another offer can feel awkward. How do you approach this situation without burning bridges or stressing yourself out?

From managing the conversation to negotiating a better deal, here’s how to tell your current company about another offer with professionalism and confidence.

Hey, it never hurts to see what else is out there: Browse 400,000+ open jobs on The Muse—one of them could be your perfect next career move »

“Should I tell my current employer I have another offer?”

If you’re starting at the beginning you might ask, “Should I let my employer know I am looking for another job?”

The answer: Maybe. If your company values transparency and offers career growth discussions, it may be worth having an honest conversation. However, in more traditional or competitive workplaces, revealing your job search could jeopardize your current role or future opportunities.

If a recruiter approached you, the situation shifts slightly. But still, you don’t necessarily need to disclose the opportunity unless it directly impacts your work or if you believe transparency could benefit you.

What to consider before sharing the offer

• Your intentions with the offer: What do you expect to gain from this conversation? Are you genuinely interested in the new role, or do you want to use the offer as leverage for a raise or promotion?
• Your relationship with your employer: Do you have a trusting relationship with your manager? Is your employer known for reacting positively to such news?
• Company culture: Some companies view external offers as threats, while others see them as opportunities to retain top talent.

If you plan to accept the offer and leave your current job, it’s generally courteous to inform your employer promptly to allow for a smooth transition.

If you expect to use a job offer as leverage for a raise or promotion, and you have a strong, trusting relationship with your manager and work in a company that values transparency, bringing up the offer can be a constructive way to initiate a conversation about your career growth. Frame it as a step toward your professional growth and not as a lack of commitment to your current job.

However, if the relationship is strained or the company views such disclosures negatively, revealing the offer could backfire, potentially damaging trust or even to you losing your current role. In such cases, consider exploring other ways to advocate for a raise or promotion, like highlighting your accomplishments and contributions, without directly mentioning the offer.

Legal considerations

Before initiating a conversation, it’s important to understand the legal aspects of your employment agreement. “Evaluate your employment agreement for clauses that may limit your ability to explore other offers, particularly non-compete or confidentiality provisions, as these could have legal implications,” says employment lawyer Edward Hones.

Non-compete provisions are clauses that restrict you from working for a competitor or starting a competing business within a specified timeframe and geographic area after leaving your current job. These clauses are designed to protect the employer from losing trade secrets or market share to rivals.

Confidentiality provisions require you to keep certain information about the company—such as trade secrets, client lists, or proprietary strategies—private, even after you leave the organization. These clauses ensure that sensitive business information isn’t disclosed to competitors or the public.

Violating these provisions can lead to legal consequences: your current employer can file a breach of contract lawsuit against you. This may result in costly legal battles, potential damages, or an injunction preventing you from working for the new employer.

From a legal perspective, you’re generally not required to inform your current employer about any other offers you receive. “The only exception to this would be if there was some part of your employment contract that outlined a requirement of disclosure about this,” says attorney Ben Michael. “If your employment contract states you have to tell your employer, and you signed that contract, then you’re obligated to tell them. But this isn’t something that happens very often.”

Review your contract carefully. If you're uncertain about your rights or limitations, consulting with an employment lawyer can provide clarity.

How to tell your current employer you have another offer

When you do tell your employer about another offer, your communication should reflect professionalism and clarity.

Be honest about your intentions while maintaining respect for your current employer. “Approach the conversation with humility and respect, emphasizing what you’ve appreciated about your current role,” says Stephen Greet, CEO and co-founder of BeamJobs.

• Don’t overshare details. There’s no need to disclose the other company’s name, salary, or benefits unless it’s relevant to the conversation. Should you share your offer letter with your current company? No—this is generally not recommended unless it’s explicitly requested during a negotiation. Even then, avoid providing a full copy; instead, summarize the key details, such as the role, compensation, and benefits, if relevant.

• Know your worth. Research market rates for your role and industry to confidently discuss your value.

• Stay professional. Avoid making the conversation emotional or confrontational. Keep it focused on your career growth.

• Anticipate questions. Be ready to discuss why you’re considering the offer and what you hope to achieve.

• Don’t make threats. Avoid using language that suggests you’re demanding a raise or you’ll leave.

• Have a backup plan. If your employer reacts poorly or refuses to negotiate, ensure you’re comfortable with moving forward with the offer.

Below, we’ll explore specific scenarios and provide actionable tips and language to help you navigate this conversation with confidence and tact.

When you’re still considering the offer

If you're uncertain about accepting the offer but want to inform your employer—whether because you value their perspective, want to be honest, or are just testing the waters—approach the conversation with tact.

In most cases, this conversation is best held in person to maintain transparency and trust, but sending a polite email to schedule a private meeting can set the right tone.

Avoid disclosing too much detail about the offer initially—instead, frame the conversation as an opportunity for an open dialogue about your career goals.

Example:

I wanted to let you know that I’ve been approached with another opportunity. While I haven’t made a decision yet, I value my role here and wanted to have an open discussion about my career goals and growth opportunities.

When you’ve decided to accept the offer

How to tell an employer you accepted another offer? Be clear and professional in your communication.

Notify your employer promptly after accepting the offer to provide ample notice, ideally at least two weeks before your intended departure. Whenever feasible, deliver the news in person or via a video call. If circumstances prevent this, a well-crafted email or phone call can suffice, but schedule a follow-up meeting face to face.

When you break the news, frame your decision positively rather than emphasizing frustrations or shortcomings in your current role.

“If you were actively recruited, the conversation may be more straightforward, as there’s no need to explain why you were exploring other opportunities,” says Mitch Chailland, President of Canal HR, a professional employer organization.

Example:

After careful consideration, I’ve decided to accept another opportunity that aligns with my career goals. I’ve greatly appreciated my time here and am committed to ensuring a smooth transition before I leave.

When you want to leverage the offer for a raise

How to leverage another job offer? It requires finesse to avoid appearing manipulative. Be transparent but professional, emphasizing that you’re weighing all options carefully to make the best decision for your career.

“If your salary is below market average, having a physical job offer that reflects a competitive package can give your employer the opportunity to match it,” Chailland says. “Employers often prefer to retain their existing talent, as it’s typically more cost-effective than hiring and onboarding new employees.”

Example:

I recently received an offer from another company that reflects the market value for my skills. However, I enjoy working here and wanted to explore whether there’s room for growth in terms of my role and compensation.

FAQs

How do you tell your boss you've applied for another job?

If you’ve applied for another job and feel the need to tell your boss, approach the conversation thoughtfully. It’s best to do this only if your job search aligns with an open dialogue about your career goals or if your company has a supportive culture. Avoid oversharing details, and keep the conversation focused on your career aspirations rather than frustrations.

Can I lose my job for sharing another offer?

While it’s uncommon, some employers may view external offers as disloyalty. Ensure you’re prepared to accept the other role if your current employer reacts negatively.

What if my employer counters the offer?

Evaluate the counteroffer carefully. Consider whether the improved terms address your long-term career goals and if staying aligns with your professional growth.

Should I put the offer in writing?

Not necessarily. Most discussions about offers are verbal. However, if negotiations lead to a counteroffer or promotion, ensure those terms are documented.

Should I tell my boss I declined a job offer?

If the offer came up during a prior discussion or if it led to a positive negotiation at your current job, sharing your decision can show transparency and reinforce your commitment to staying. However, if the offer and its details were kept private, there’s no obligation to inform your boss.