In an incredibly stressful job search, the idea of landing one job often seems impossible. What happens, though, when you’re so successful you receive multiple job offers? It sounds like a dream come true at first, but now you have to decide. You have all of these details to consider, such as salary, location, responsibilities, and culture.
A decision between multiple job offers doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you take the time to carefully weigh your options, you can make the right decision for your career. Here are a few tips from Heather R. Huhman, a Glassdoor career and workplace expert.
Click through for tips on what to do if you receive multiple job offers, as identified by Heather Huhman, a Glassdoor career and workplace expert.
Hiring managers know the job market is competitive, both for job seekers and employers. It’s OK to tell them you have more than one offer and need some time to make a decision. Just don’t ask for too long. Remember, the hiring process is time sensitive for everyone involved. If you take any longer than a few days, you risk the chance of one company deciding to hire another candidate.
Now that you have a little time to make your decision, you need to be very thorough. Research the companies and compile all of the information you have on both job offers: pay, benefits, company culture, location, flexibility, job responsibilities, and whatever else you think is necessary.
Use each company’s website and social media, like you did before your interviews. You also might want to take note of any recent news about each company, as well as the potential for career growth within the companies.
You also have to think about your own career goals. What do you want to be doing? Where do you want to be in five years? Think about what you truly want your career to look like and write it down.
As you’re compiling all of the information, reach out to the hiring managers with questions. They gave you an offer because they want you to work for them, so they won’t mind providing answers.
Once you gather all of the information about each offer, it’s time to compare your results. Everyone suggests making lists of pros and cons for making big decisions, because it works.
While it might be your instinct to place priority on comparing pay and benefits, it’s important to look at all of the details. Get the big picture. Think about your commute to work, hours, daily responsibilities, and the people who work there. Now that you’ve got options, it’s time to think about what will truly make you happy. That may mean sacrificing a higher salary for a company culture you love. It could also mean giving up some flexibility for a job much closer to home.
Which job can you see yourself doing? Which one excites you? Use the personal values you wrote down earlier to make sure your decision closely aligns with your own goals.
When all else fails, trust yourself. If you’re leaning towards one job over the other, go with your gut. This decision is for you and you alone. You’ll be less likely to regret your decision when you go with your instincts.
No one ever predicts they’ll wind up with multiple job offers. Having to decide between two or three positions will undoubtedly catch you off guard. Just remember to weigh all of the details and then look at the whole picture. Accept a job with your own happiness in mind. Enjoying what you do every day is what’s most important.
