How to Compare Two or More Job Offers

You polished your CV and cover letters, did well in interviews, and kept a positive attitude even when the process appeared to be slow. You've finally gotten a job offer!

Then there was another one. So, what next?

Receiving two job offers or more after applying for and interviewing for a new job can be both exciting and worrisome. Having multiple job offers on the table provides you the peace of mind that your employment prospects are solid and affirms your qualifications, but it may also present a serious dilemma.

If you receive multiple job offers, you must make an informed decision. While compensation is crucial, don't base your decision only on it when comparing different offers. If you are not careful, you may make a decision that could harm your entire career trajectory. 

Although it may appear to be great, having two or more employment offers on the table can make it difficult to choose. Here are some pointers to consider if you're having problems deciding.

1. Consider How each Job Ties to Your Long-term Professional Goals.

When applying for a job, you want to demonstrate that you are the best candidate for the position. However, if you've received multiple job offers, it's critical to evaluate how these prospects align with your long-term professional goals.

Remember everything you've learned about the position, the company, and the culture then ask yourself the following questions:

• Which job corresponds to my professional goals?
• Is one job more likely than the other to offer opportunities for advancement?
• Which job will present the biggest challenges to me?
• Which job will provide me the opportunity to learn new skills?

If you're having trouble deciding between jobs, consider them both in terms of your long-term goals. Consider which job has the most potential and will get you where you want to go.

2. Growth and Advancement Opportunities

As a 20- or 30-year-old, you want to be in a role where you can improve your career within the company or, at the absolute least, develop important skills that will allow you to advance your career outside of the company.

Here are some great questions to ask to determine whether a company has a strong growth mindset:

• What do you envision the company looking like in the next 3-5 years?
• What do you envision the department looking like in the next 3-5 years? Is there a chance for advancement?
• How many new employees have the company/department hired in the recent year?
• Are you looking to make any additions or extend the scope of your company?
• What was your initial reaction to the company?
• Is this a brand-new role, or has someone previously had it? Why did someone leave if they did?

3. Company Culture

You don't want to wake up everyday thinking, 'Oh no! 'I've got to get to work today.' 

Before choosing a certain job and starting a new career, it's vital to understand the company's culture.

Some employers require you to work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some companies allow you to work on your own schedule. Some companies have a specific dress code, while others are fine with you wearing jeans and a hoodie to work.

Each workplace has its own structure, ethics, and culture, which are developed by those in charge and subsequently spread across the firm. You'll want to join one that is both conducive to your most productive work environment and consistent with your values.

Constantly being sidetracked by a tight work schedule or having to stay late to prove you're working hard may quickly wear you down, and you'll soon understand how important it is to spend 40 hours of your week doing something you enjoy.

4. Examine the Benefits

Determine which types of benefits are most valuable to you. Some of the most frequent company perk packages are as follows:

• Health insurance: If you're just starting out in your career, health insurance may be essential. Examine how much coverage you get from each employer against your needs. 

• Retirement: Keep in mind that not all companies offer retirement benefits. Check with your company to see if you may contribute some of your pre-tax income to a retirement plan and if they will match your contributions up to a certain percentage.

• Paid time off (PTO): The amount of vacation or personal off days you are allotted each year. Compare the period of time off provided by each company and determine if the amount of PTO provided meets your needs.

• Sick leave: Some companies include sick leave in total PTO hours, while others separate sick leave from vacation time. So, put this into consideration as well.

5. Consider the Commute

If you wish to work in an office, the actual location of each organisation will most certainly be an important consideration. Longer commutes may result in increased travel costs and time spent in transit, both of which might disrupt your work-life balance. 

How much time do you think you'd spend commuting every day? If the distances between the two potential job opportunities are large, you should also consider the cost of transportation (fuel, public transit, etc.) for each mode of transportation.

Also, consider whether moving closer to the employer you are most inclined towards will be worth the choice.

6. Compare the Salaries

When choosing between two or more jobs, it's natural to wonder, "Which job pays more?"

While income isn't the only factor to consider, personal contentment is. But, even after considering all of the preceding considerations, what if the job you are not considering pays much more than the one you are?

Evaluate whether a higher salary will compensate for a job you dislike in this scenario.  However, if you are bored for 40 hours or more a week, a higher salary may not make a big difference in your personal contentment.

You might also try bargaining for more money. Experiment with salary negotiation strategies to see if you can increase your compensation or obtain better benefits and stick with the employer you prefer most.

You may assess whether you will be adequately compensated for your knowledge, skills, and qualifications by comparing the salaries offered by each organisation.

Looking at average salaries can also inform you if the offers are competitive. You should also assess your own personal strengths and credentials. If you have significantly more experience than is required for the position, for example, you may wish to try to negotiate a higher wage.

WRAPPING UP

"If you asked the proper questions during the interview and researched both the company and the individual tasks on offer, you should be in a good position to make a rational, well-informed decision about which job you should take," Lance Maree, director at Robert Walters, a recruitment company, advises.

He does, however, point out that, no matter how carefully researched, taking on a new job is never without risk.

Comparing job offers can be a difficult experience. No one likes to make the wrong decision; but, accept that you made the best option you could, based on the information available at the time, and move from there.

Best wishes!