So you've received two job offers...
Great news, your job hunting efforts have paid off.
Although having two job offers on the table is rare, it happens and means you now have a life-changing decision to make. When deciding between two job offers, you might begin focusing on the salary and benefits, but you should also consider which job offer better aligns with your personal goals.
Although having multiple job offers is a great position to be in, the pressure to choose the right one can be overwhelming as it affects your personal and professional life. Here are a few tips to help make an informed decision on which job offer better suits your needs and aspirations.
1) Revisit Why You Started Your Job Search
When choosing between two job offers, you should remind yourself of the reasons why you started looking for a new job.
Does your current position lack a good work-life balance, does the organisation's core values and mission no longer align with your morals? Perhaps the role has changed.
Remember what you are looking for from a new employer before you weigh up one job against the other. Whether you're seeking long-term career progression, job security, or a good culture, assessing your priorities will help you decide which job you should take.
2) Deep Dive Into the Two Job Offers
Once you know what's most important to you when it comes to your next move, it's time to compare your two opportunities. Consider the following:
Workplace Culture: Research each company’s culture and values to understand if their mission statement resonates. As well as looking at their websites, look at their LinkedIn pages, and their social media presence. Finance and accounting is a small world, so ask colleagues or friends who may have worked there before, or know someone who did, what their company is like and whether it would be a good culture fit.
Growth Opportunities: Ask yourself whether there's a clear pathway for you to advance your career, the opportunity to manage a team, or the chance to learn new skills/areas of the business.
Work-Life Balance: Consider each job's workload, working hours and work from home policy to understand which opportunity will provide a better work-life balance.
Team Dynamics: Ask each potential employer whether it's possible to meet your team before you accept a job offer. This will provide insight into how the team interacts and communicates, as well as whether you'd fit in.
Salary and Benefits: While not the only factor to consider, it’s certainly important. Analyze the salary, benefits package (health insurance, paid time off, etc.), and any additional perks (remote work options, stock options, etc.)
It's important to make sure you understand the differences between the roles on offer. The consultant your working with will also be able to provide insight into each company. Consider each role's recruitment process as first impressions go a long way in helping you make a choice.
3) Make a List of Questions to ask Each Hiring Manager
Asking follow up questions will assist you in the decision-making process. Consider asking:
What does a typical day in this role look like?
What are the biggest challenges and opportunities in this position?
How does this role contribute to the overall success of the team/business?
How will I collaborate/communicate with the wider team/business?
How will I work with my line manager?
Employers understand that you may want more information on the role before making a decision. So before you commit, ensure you have the answers you need from each of your potential employers.
4) The Pros and Cons: Weighing Your Options
Create a pros and cons list for the two offers, taking your priorities, must-haves and the information you have collected into account.
Explore the strengths and weaknesses of each opportunity as well as the long term opportunity impact each role will have on your career. Don't just pay attention to which role has better pay.
5) Trust Your Gut Feeling
Even after you have completed your research and analysis you may still feel a lingering feeling. Trust your gut - one company may just feel right based on the company culture, team fit and the mission, trust your intuition.
6) Make Your Decision
Most employers won't expect an immediate answer, but once you’ve completed all of these steps it's time to make the all important decision. Communicate this to your recruitment agency and if applicable, the company.
As well as notifying your new employer, you must refuse the second offer. Again, your recruitment consultant will more likely do this, but it's a good idea to send an email yourself thanking them for their time and the opportunity, but that you have taken another opportunity that better aligns with your goals at this time,
Consider Negotiating
If you’ve received multiple offers, you may be in a position to negotiate your salary or benefits package. Do your research on industry standards for similar roles
While having to decide between multiple job offers can be exciting and may seem like an enviable position, it can be frustrating and overwhelming. By following these steps and working with your consultant, you'll ensure your next career move is the right one.
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