You have narrowed down your job search to a few positions, the interviews have gone well and now you’ve received not one but two job offers!
How should you go about making your decision?
Whilst you are in a favourable position, it is crucial to choose the role that’s truly best for you. We explore the factors to consider when weighing up two job offers.
1. Work Culture and Day to Day
No matter how well rewarded your job, if you don’t enjoy the day-to-day; you’re likely to be unhappy. So, it makes sense to clarify exactly what each job entails, what the work culture is like and what your responsibilities will be.
Ideally, you want your day-to day work to challenge and stimulate you. So, if the daily tasks at one role look more diverse and interesting, they are likely to give you greater job satisfaction. Bear in mind that those who love their jobs generally do so because of the people, the culture and stimulating work rather than a big pay packet.
2. Long term Progression
When deliberating between two job offers, it’s important to consider your long-term prospects at each company. Does the position provide you with valuable experience that will help progress your career or are you likely to remain static?
Whilst, it can be tempting to be swayed by short-term gains such as a larger salary, always try to keep your long-term career goals in mind.
3. Rewards and Benefits
Rewards can be a deal breaker for many of us; after all a larger salary can offer financial freedom and a better quality of life. Nevertheless, it’s important to look at all the rewards and benefits as a whole.
How much annual leave will you get? What are terms of the pension? Does the company have a bonus scheme? Try to evaluate each benefit objectively; private health insurance may be far more valuable than a marginally higher salary.
4. Training
A good employer will want to invest in your future and should offer you opportunities for training. As self-funding your training can be costly, employer funded training should be viewed as a significant benefit.
Training and qualifications can significantly increase your employability and earning potential. However, do take care to clarify your employer’s terms for any external training schemes. Some employers will expect you to reimburse them for training fees if you leave the company within a certain time frame of completing your course.
5. Work-Life Balance
When making a decision between two roles, try to establish whether each position will offer you a realistic work-life balance. Will you be expected to work 9-5 or much longer hours? Where is the job located and will your journey to and from work be tiring? If one job offer proposes a more favourable work-life balance, it’s worth strong consideration. You’re much more likely to stay at a company long-term if you have a well-adjusted working life.
6. Do you truly believe in the company?
It’s far easier to apply yourself to your job if you believe in the organisation you’re working for. So, it makes sense to research each company’s mission statement to see whether it resonates with you. If you fully support the company’s ethos and are enthusiastic about its work, you’ll feel far more motivated by your day-to-day role.
