What to Consider When Deciding Between Job Offers

A job search can be an unpredictable process. You might spend months on the job hunt with no luck, then two job offers will come at once. You may even receive a counter offer from your current organization, adding an option for you to consider.

This is a great position to be in, and you need to make the most of the opportunity. What should you take into account when you have to decide between the multiple job offers? It may be tempting to just go for the bigger salary package, but there are other factors that are worth considering.

Long-term Career Goals

What are your long-term career goals at each of the companies? It’s important to be strategic when moving jobs and to consider how the role will affect your professional growth. You don’t want to end up in a situation where you’re being paid well but are stuck in a job with no career trajectory. What you want is a role that will help you to reach your long-term career goals.

This is especially key when looking at a counter offer. If a lack of growth or upward mobility was a factor in your decision to explore your options in the job market, that can shift the tide one way or the other, even if there is an attractive salary increase on the table.

Company Culture and Reputation

Spend time finding out as much as you can about the companies you are deciding between. Consider their reputation as employers, as well as whether their principles and ambitions match yours. Is it the kind of business that you are willing to trust with your future career?

Talk to current and past employees to get an idea of company culture and the work environment. How did you feel at your interviews? Which company did you feel most comfortable with, and how well did you connect with your interviewers? Company culture is very important when considering which role to take. Unlike your salary, it can’t be negotiated, so it needs to be right from the start.

You already know your current employer's culture well, so remember that a high counter offer will not alter that part of your day-to-day.

Your Lifestyle

Consider what will be expected of you in terms of working hours and how this will affect your personal life. Will you regularly be expected to work overtime? The commute to and from work will also affect how much time you have to do things other than work, like spending time with family and friends. Of course, there are reasonable sacrifices you may be willing to make for your career, but it is worth considering how the job will affect your life as a whole.

Don’t be rushed into making a decision! A company worth working for will acknowledge that moving jobs can be a life-changing decision and will give you time to consider your options.

These suggestions on how to find a company that fits you will help you consider what’s important in a long-lasting career and make the right choice for you between your two job offers. You can also read more about counter offers any many other aspects of a job search here.