How to Choose Between Two Job Offers

If you're looking for a new job and you've got two offers at the same time, count it as a good problem to have. It's certainly good to be in demand. But how should you decide which one to accept? Read on for six factors to weigh as you consider your options.

Compensation

The most obvious aspect to consider when comparing the job offers is probably the pay. But this may not be as straightforward as it looks. The salary, hourly or daily rate may not be the only part of the equation. Be sure to also consider the value of any benefits, bonus or commission structures, commuting costs, and other factors that could earn or save you money.

It's also worth considering the likely longevity of each position. What do you know about the financial outlook and turnover rates of each company? Could you see yourself doing one of the jobs for a longer period of time? Include all these factors in your assessment of the offer.

Career Impact

What does each job have to offer in terms of furthering your career, and how valuable is that to you? Consider not only potential promotion and growth opportunities from within each organization, but how any training, experience, or job titles on offer could help you grow in your career elsewhere. If the jobs aren't the ultimate in your career objectives, which one seems like it will do a better job at helping you move in that direction in the future?

Personal Value

Does either opportunity have greater personal value for you? Maybe you prefer the product or mission of one of the companies. Maybe you'd find the actual work of one or the other more satisfying on an intrinsic level. Maybe you have some familiarity with an industry or company that appeals to you. Whatever yours may be, consider any personal reasons you may have to prefer one job or the other.

Job Situation

Management, co-workers, and work arrangements can make or break a job. Which opportunity offers a more comfortable day-to-day situation in this regard? Compare what you know about management styles and the people you'll be working with. If you can, take a good look at the environment of the workplace as well.

Practical Factors

Practical factors surrounding accepting a job matter too. All things being equal, if one job is near your current location and the other requires you to live elsewhere, which do you prefer? Does one offer an easier commute, require less training, or involve more familiar people? Which side of such questions sound better to you?

Ability to Negotiate

Last (but certainly not least), multiple job offers could afford you a good opportunity to negotiate to improve one or both offers. If you find that one job is preferable or lacking in some areas compared to the other, you may be able to talk about the differences with one or both hiring managers and see if they're willing to improve their offer to beat the other.

It's up to you to determine whether it's a good approach in your situation, but if it goes well, going this route could help make it clear which group is more willing to accommodate you – and may even make one of them become the best of both worlds.

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