I’ve had some struggles at work recently. The role I had to do far exceeded the described role I was hired for. I was told to stick with it as I could get promoted to a higher level this past spring, but when the list of promotions was revealed, I was not on it.

I spent quite some time trying to figure out why I didn’t make it, but the answer was referencing “soft skills” but had no examples or suggestions for me.

I have subsequently applied to another company and they made me an offer with a total increase in compensation of $35k.

I would like to give my current company the option to match but would like input on the best way to phrase it. I was thinking:

Thank you very much for the opportunity to engage in this endeavor. I would love to be able to see this project to its completion, however, I have been offered a position that I can’t afford to pass up.

Should I say anything about my offer? Should I include figures? Should I just come out and say “I would like to stay but I need xyz raise?”

What’s the best way you’ve seen this orchestrated?