I was recently working with a client who was fortunate to have multiple job offers from which to choose, and it got me thinking: how do you choose between multiple job offers?
If you find yourself in this position, salary is an obvious factor to consider. Think beyond the salary though… There are many other factors to consider in deciding which offer to accept.
In the article below, I’ll share some of my findings regarding how to choose a job when you receive multiple offers and evaluate your options.
Ready to jump in?
#1: Position Fit
How are the responsibilities of each job similar and different?
Would you supervise employees in either role? If so, how many?
What day-to-day aspects of either job would you like the most?
Which one matches most closely with your ideal job you were seeking? When you picture yourself going to work each day, would you be excited to go to either of the jobs?
#2: Company Culture
Much attention is often given to company culture…
But what does that really mean?
Each company has its own unique culture – even two companies in the same industry, selling the same product will provide a different experience working there on a daily basis.
How to Assess Company Culture
A company’s culture is shaped by the actual people that work there.
You should be able to get a sense of the company culture from the people you meet throughout the interview process, and other people that work at the company that you may have talked to ahead of time through networking. Would you like working with the people you met? Did it seem like they liked working there?
Researching the company online before and even after the interview can provide more information about the company as well. What information can be found on their website? What recent articles can be found online about the company?
#3: Professional Development
Evaluate what opportunities for professional development, if any, the company offers. Are there formal programs within the company in which you could participate? Are there external programs that either company would be willing to pay for to invest in employees’ development? Do you want to pursue further education? Although not as common anymore, does either company offer tuition reimbursement towards education?
#4: Think Long Term
When evaluating your options, think long term. Is this a company you would like to work in for several years?
Take some time to recall your career goals. Would either role help you meet your longer term career goals? What opportunities are there for growth or advancement within the company? Where could you be in several years if you take either position?
#5: Benefits
What other benefits are provided besides salary?
Common benefits may include:
- Health insurance
- Time off
- Compensation other than salary (bonus, tuition assistance, student loan assistance, relocation assistance, etc.)
- Opportunity to work remotely a certain number of days per week
#6: Commute Time
Most people have in mind a maximum amount of time they are willing to commute. Are the commutes very different for either position, as far as time or distance? Is this an important factor in your decision or not?
Evaluate Your Options
Take some time to evaluate your options. Make a balance sheet of pros and cons for each offer. Talk over your offers with a mentor, coach or trusted friend.
And most importantly – make sure you have the offers in writing when considering your options – nothing is official until you receive an offer in writing.