Job hunting is always an exhaustive experience wrought with both hope and disappointment. Depending on the position you’re looking for, it can sometimes be difficult to get even one job offer, let alone two or more, so the fact that there are multiple offers on the table can feel really great at first. But then comes the moment when you must sit down and decide which offer best suits you.
A recent survey called Ceridian’s 2018-19 Pulse of Talent found that well over half of Canadians are either actively seeking a new job or would accept a new job if it were offered, and if you’re reading this, chances are you’re one of them. When choosing between two or multiple job offers, it’s important to make the decision that’s right for you.
Here are some things to consider before choosing your future job.
#1: Be Clear About All Offers
Go over each offer meticulously to ensure you’re clear about every aspect of it, including:
- Compensation
- Benefits
- Logistics
- Hours of Work
- Job Description
Lay out each job description side by side and start a pros and cons list. What may have seemed like the better offer at first could end up offer you less in the long run. If you are unclear about these or any other aspects of the offer, contact the employer to clarify and make sure.
#2: Look Past Compensation
Getting a great paycheck is important but statistics show that Canadians find other things important when it comes to job satisfaction. Beyond the compensation and benefits package you will receive from each job, evaluate each offer’s:
- Flexibility and Work/Life Balance
- Job Security
- Personal Fulfillment
- Type of Work
- Amount of Work/Stress
- Advancement Opportunities
- Employer Recognition
- Use of Your Skills
These are among the most important things to most employees but if there are other things important to you – whether it be location or the ability to bring your pet to the office – be sure you are clear on the perks that go beyond your paycheck and be sure the organizations policies align with your own priorities.
#3: Delve Into the Company
Think back to your interview and try to recall the small things that surrounded you. What was the atmosphere like? Were there any red flags that popped up either in words or actions?
Was your potential new boss friendly, empathetic, and present while talking with you or did they seem to be more commanding and negative? You may need to really think on this because it can be difficult to evaluate things from an interview you had but some things can really stand out.
For example, if your interviewer makes an untoward comment about other employees or departments, this might be a red flag indicating they are not a very respectful superior to work for.
Did you have any interactions with existing employees? Did the employees look satisfied and happy with their work and environment?
Websites like LinkedIn and Glassdoor are just a couple places online where you can look deeper into an organization to find out what their company culture is like and whether or not they are a good, great, or terrible company to work for.
#4: Think About the Future
Advancement opportunities are critical to a successful career but if there are no clear policies about succession or advancement within a company, you could be looking at staying in the same position indefinitely. Conversely, you could take a position that offers advancement opportunities that you may not want. Advancement may require special training, and nepotism may be a factor.
Ask yourself:
- Can you see yourself advancing within this organization?
- Do you get the feeling that this company will help you enhance your skills and learn new ones?
- If you were given a promotion, what position(s) would you be promoted to?
- Would the compensation for any advancement be worth the promotion?
- How can this company help you reach your personal career goals?
- How often does the company look for outside hires?
Once you’ve thought long and hard about these things, it can be helpful to write down your own ideas and conclusions before making the final decision.
If you’re ready to increase your chances of getting multiple job offers with a professional resume package or LinkedIn optimization training, contact me today to let me help you create the career package that will make your job search short and successful.
To Your Success!
Tim
Your Vancouver Resume Writer