Picture this: after grueling job interviews, you receive an email notification of an offer. You are elated and perhaps you call your family or friends to inform them of the wonderful news.
And just as you are getting ready to accept the job and the excitement dies down: Viola!, another email notification comes in. The Subject line is clear: Congratulations! We have a job offer for you!
Getting multiple offers can be both exciting and anxiety-inducing.
Which offer do you select? How do you say no without burning bridges?
Below we review the important factors to consider when choosing between two jobs, as well as some tips on selecting the best opportunity. We also cover how to decline a job offer without burning a bridge.
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You want a job that satisfies all your needs, but it's not simple. You want a role that allows you to grow and develop. And there are other factors to consider before accepting a new job offer. They include;
Work-life balance has an impact on your personal life and mental health. Before accepting a job offer, think about how it connects to your requirements and needs.
For instance, you may have personal obligations or have little kids. You may prefer a remote workplace because of added responsibilities at home.
Take into account the location of each offer, the commute time, the cost, and how the location suits your personal life or preferences. Consider whether it's feasible to relocate to a new location.
Some companies can offset these problems by offering benefits like child care, a company car, and gym memberships. This may sway your decision so remember to consider benefits beyond pay when deciding. When deciding between multiple positions, there may be things to gain beyond money.
When you have two job offers, salary and benefits may be the most important thing to you. Especially if you are also thinking about inflation, student loans, funding our own business, or other criteria.
A high salary can positively impact your financial well-being and overall satisfaction but it shouldn't be the primary consideration.
Examine all aspects of the benefits and perks, in addition to your salary, such as: health insurance, paid time off, remote or hybrid work arrangements, and prospects for professional advancement.
When you focus solely on salary you might miss other aspects of a new role that excite you or end up in a job with a poor company culture and become prone to burnout.
When choosing which offer to accept, company culture is crucial. You want to ensure you'll be excited going to work every day. A strong culture fit is a personal choice and you should try to get an idea of what it would be like to work there so you can know what to expect.
Thoroughly research aspects for both options, reflect on how well you may fit, how each business can fulfill your work style and needs.
In case you don't know what to look for here is a guide: qualities of a good workplace.
A company's reputation can affect your job security and future career prospects. Therefore, some due diligence is necessary. Spend some time researching and evaluating each company's reputation.
You can do this by:
Doing so will help you get a broader sense of the company and also see any warning signs that might point to a toxic workplace.
Ensure that the positions and job responsibilities match your interests and skills. Some companies do not fully clarify the job during the interview process and this itself is a potential red flag.
When these elements match your skills, it can lead to increased performance and higher job satisfaction.
As a growth-minded individual, you might be interested in leadership training programs to future-proof your career. Assess each company's commitment to leadership development programs, mentorship opportunities, or skills training relevant to your career goals.
Take a piece of paper and divide it into two columns: "Pros" and "Cons."
Create a detailed list for each job offer and break down each pros and cons for each position systematically depending on the factors you are assessing. Thinking carefully about what factors you want to use to determine which is best for you and spend time thinking about your core values and anything you might be struggling with.
A well-constructed pros and cons list will allow for a proper comparison, making it easier to identify which offer best satisfies your needs and aligns with your core values. It may make it easy to see which comes in first place when making a tough decision.
As a rule of thumb, make it a point to research a company's financial health. A stable company with a positive growth trajectory offers better job security and future advancement opportunities. Moreover, look at the industrial outlook and consider: what is the overall performance of companies in a similar niche?
This strategic tool helps you evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats of each offer comprehensively.
A further breakdown;
Ultimately, you'll leverage decision-making tools to help you navigate the options to find clarity. And your decision-making skills are what will help you see the difference between the offers and guide you on your career path.
By utilizing decision-making tools, you take reflective steps to ensure the decision you arrive at is well-rounded and comprehensive.
Consider your gut feeling, priorities, and values when settling on a decision, as well as other considerations like career goals and overall life aspirations.
Your choice should support your professional and personal needs. This approach helps you select the job that fits your future aspiration, leading to a more fulfilling and satisfying career journey.
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Always remember these considerations should fit your needs and do not settle for a job offer you're not happy with. Job seekers should take the time they need, as much as possible and as future employers allow, to make an informed decision on a new job.
The next step is to inform the company you have chosen – and the company you have not chosen. For the latter, tell them you appreciate their offer and the time taken during their selection process.
You can communicate through a formal letter or via e-mail. An explanation is not necessary but it can help them understand. Part ways on good terms to leave the door open for future endeavors.
Looking at changing jobs this can interest you: Is Job Hopping Bad? (Pros, and Cons & Tips)
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As a growth-minded person, getting multiple job offers in your career is common. After all, companies want to work with the best – and you are looking to focus your career and advance. That said, selecting the best job when there are multiple job offers on the table can test your decision-making process.
Working with a coach will assist you in making such decisions, including, for example, how to read the fine print, how to ask the right questions, how to negotiate better, acing the interview process, and the importance of focusing on the long-term goals.
At Highrise, we will offer this plus more. Schedule a discovery call today and learn how you can prepare for a bright future.
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