After all your hard work you are presented with more than one promising job offer. If all offers meet your targeted salary range and money is no longer a deciding factor, how do you compare the offers?
Think about your long-term career aspirations
When considering a new position, you should always consider how it would help you work towards your long-term goals. Ask youself: What skills or experience do I need to help me get closer to my career goal? Which position would help me gain these skills and experience more? Always consider how your potential job would help bolster your portfolio and help you land that NEXT job.
Consider the work environment and culture at each organization:
The work environment is dictated by your 1) potential boss or manager, 2) co-workers or team members, 3) workload as well as what is expected of you, and office norms.
-
Boss and/or Manager
Your boss and/or manager is huge determinate of whether you will be happy and stay in your position. In a Gallup survey, more than 75% of employees surveyed stated that the reason they left their previous position was because of their bosses or managers. Remember that the interview process is also an opportunity for you to get an idea of who you could be working for.
-
Co-workers and/or Team Members
Working environments will also be dictated by your co-workers or team members. In the Retention Report by Work Institute, 36% of employees surveyed cited that they left their previous job because of difficult co-workers. Remember that with a 40 hour/week job, you will be spending more time with your co-workers than your friends and potentially your family.
-
Workload and Office Norms
Finally, your workload, day-to-day tasks, the office norms and what is expected of you play a large role in your level of happiness and satisfaction in a role. Are you expected to take work home with you? Do your coworkers/team members come in early and leave late often? Are taking vacations and time off frowned upon? Would your day-to-day tasks be tedious and unfulfilling? These are the types of questions you should consider when weighing different job options.
Compare entire packages
A job offer is more than just the job, it is the entire package being offered. A job package can include health benefits, sick/vacation time or paid time off, the potential for bonuses aor raises, signing bonuses, and covered moving expenses. Here are some things to think about: Do you need to move to accept a job offer but the company is not helping you cover moving expenses? Is there a difference in the breadth of health benefits offered between positions? Do both positions have an opportunity for bonuses and/or raises? Are you allowed to use your time off right away or do you have to wait a certain amount of time? These are some of the types of questions you should be asking when comparing job packages.
Think about your new living situation and the people you would and would not be around (if applicable)
Another large aspect to consider when comparing job offers is your potential new living situation. Are you comfortable moving to a new place far away from your current support network? Would you be able to financially support yourself in the new location on the offered salary? Would you feel safe living there? Would you be living near anyone you know? All of these questions and more are important to consider when weighing job offers in different places.
Listen to your gut
At the end of the day listen to your gut. Does your fear of change or uncertainty overpower your excitement about a position? Is there some aspect of the job that just does not sit right with you? You can ask for advice from others, but when you arrive at a decision make sure you feel comfortable and confident about it.