December 28, 2023
Having more than one job offer on the table is a positive situation to be in, but also a challenging one. How do you know you’re going to make the right decision? A job that looks good on paper can be less than ideal in reality, while another role can actually have great career growth potential. It’s all about knowing what to look for.
Deciding between multiple job offers is a highly personal undertaking but there are some criteria you can use to steer yourself through the process.
1. Consider Your Priorities
The best place to start is reflecting on what you really want and need from a new job. Ask yourself, what were you looking for when you first started your job search? Are you after a higher salary, a more senior role, or the opportunity to work on different types of projects?
Think about what you’d like to have in your new role and what you don’t want. What factors are essential and which ones are you willing to compromise on? You might be flexible on salary but determined to work with cutting edge technologies, for example.
Now you can compare each role against your core needs and see where each role on offer is not meeting your expectations. Keeping track of your highest priorities ensures you’ll avoid being swayed by extra perks that don’t meet the essentials you’re after.
2. Look at the Bigger Picture
If you need to choose between two jobs, it’s natural to judge them on salary first, especially if that is one of your key motivators. But don’t forget the wider range of non-financial factors that are just as important in the long run. How much time are you willing to spend travelling to and from the job? Do the hours fit in with your commitments outside of work? Does the employer offer flexible working arrangements, such as the ability to work from home?
You should confirm what bonuses or incentives are available for each role. Many companies offer various forms of additional non-salary benefits, such as wellbeing and health programs (e.g. gym memberships or health insurance discounts), paid parental leave, additional holiday allowance and paid training, for example. Also, perks such as access to a company phone or vehicle might be financially attractive to you.
Other important factors to consider when choosing a job include the company’s culture – does it seem like you would be a good fit with the manager and team? Are you likely to gel with them, or can you see the potential for difficulties? Additionally, consider how important professional development opportunities are to you. Do any of the roles on offer have scope for you to add to your skillset and credentials? This could be learning a new programming language or refining your team leadership skills.
By looking at all these factors together, you can weigh up your options beyond just the salary on offer, to see how each role could impact your life. Remember, your recruiter can also give you some insight into what is on offer for the role, so talk to them if you’re not sure!
3. Take a Long-Term View
It’s easy for job seekers to focus only on the present while they compare job offers, which is understandable – it’s a situation where the pressure is on to make one of life’s major decisions. However, it’s crucial to also think about the bigger picture, not just the short term.
Consider the potential each role has for your future development. What opportunities are there for career growth and progression, such as the ability to take on additional responsibilities? This can make all the difference to how you feel once you’ve settled in the role. You also want to look for evidence the employer is invested in their employee’s development. Will you have a chance to get involved in a new area or project? Will your salary be reviewed regularly?
The employer might have discussed these points during the job interview, or there might be mention of staff development initiatives on their website and social media. But don’t be afraid to double-check with your recruiter, as they will likely have further insights they can give you about the company.
Finally, don’t forget to think about how the company is likely to change and evolve later on. What do you understand about the direction the business might take in the future? Is that aligned with your own professional goals and values? Asking these questions can help you work out which job has the potential to be your ideal role in the future, even if it doesn’t tick every box right now.
Summary
Ultimately, there is no way to fully guarantee your decision will be the best one – sometimes you just need to go with your gut. But you can make an informed decision by understanding what you really want from your next role and how each job aligns with your needs. Always consider the big picture and not just the salary on offer.
If you’re looking for another perspective, your recruiter will have an idea of which role they think is the best fit for you. We’re here to help, so be sure to ask!
Do you need more tips on deciding between job offers, or support with finding your next opportunity? Get in touch with our Sydney recruitment specialists to discuss your options.
