How to decide between two job offers

It might sound like the dream, but having two job offers on the table can make for a hard decision. Here are some crucial things to consider if you’re struggling to decide.

Don’t keep them waiting

Companies expect the candidates to use the interview process to decide whether they are interested in the role. Some companies can give candidates up to a week to make a decision, but if you wait too long, they may doubt your decision-making skills. At worse, the company could rescind the offer if you make them wait too long.

Think long-term

Be sure to take your future career plan into consideration. You want to ensure that the choice you make will be the most impactful to your long-term career ambitions. Reflect on what you want out of your career, and how each job can help you get to that end goal. 

Be careful of ‘push’ factors

“Push factors,” or unappealing aspects of your current job, are the main reason candidates look for new jobs. When considering offers, it’s important to check if those same “push factors” are present in the new role. If left unaddressed, it could lead to the same lack of fulfilment that you felt from your previous job.

Assess the work/life balance

Take the impact on your work/life balance into consideration. Is the ability to work flexibly or work from home important to you? How will the commute impact your daily life? Also take any company perks into consideration, especially if they can help balance out any worries you may have. 

Consider the culture fit

While it’s important to consider the financial benefits of the jobs, you should also think about how you’ll fit in the company’s culture. You can get a good idea of whether or not you’ll be a good fit by asking ex-employees or friends who may know the business. Compare what you learn with past work environments to see if it will be a good fit for you.

Reflect on the interview

Take the time to analyse what you’ve learned about an offer during the interview process. While you can’t learn everything about a job through interviews, it can still give you a general idea of the daily responsibilities and workplace culture. If you’re unsure, ask questions to your interviewer that can help you get a clearer picture. 

Don’t get blinded by salary

Salary can often distort your decision to accept a job offer. While it’s important to make sure you’re being paid fairly for your work, you should also consider other non-monetary benefits that may be important to you.  

Trust your gut

Changing jobs is a stressful and risky venture. Carefully considering your options is important, but you don’t want to be overly cautious. By doing research and asking informed questions during the interview process, you should be able to make the right decision for you. Consider everything, identify the offer that most excites you, and take a leap of faith!