As a jobseeker you may find yourself being put on the spot when dealing with multiple job offers. Deciding and picking the most appropriate offer can be quite a task. You may worry over the correct manner in handling multiple job offers and may be concerned about making the right choice. Here are five simple steps to help make the decision.
1. Analyse how each job could help you attain your ultimate career goal
When in two minds about the job offers in hand, ensure you list out your own long-term career goals. Write in detail what you seek from your next job and map it against the offer on hand. Evaluate what each job has to offer and how it can help you accomplish your career objective.
2. Consider some essential factors before narrowing down on the final job offer
Think about the crucial aspects of the offer such as salary, benefits, type of work, preferred industry, preferred company, preferred city or state, opportunity in the company for progression, relocation, work culture, work-life balance, professional development, continuing education opportunities, commute time, holidays, etc.
It’s easier to decide when you know what your priorities are so weigh your options and determine what criteria are most important to you. Analyse which opportunity best suits your personal and professional goals and go for it.
3. Do your research before committing to a job
Don’t get tempted merely by a high salary or an exciting job profile. In the age of the internet, it’s not really difficult to research companies before taking up an offer. Websites like Glassdoor can help you gain some insights about the company and what it’s like to work there. Also, leverage your professional network to know more about the organisation. Find out about the company’s financial performance, work culture, if there have been any recent layoffs, etc. Your research can further help you discover if the organisation has invested well in its employees and this will give you a complete picture of the organisation and how you can fit there.
4. Accept the ‘first’ job offer only if you want it wholeheartedly
Don’t make the mistake of accepting the very first offer you receive. The job is probably not your last, so ensure that the offer you take best fits your career goals and job priorities. Your best bet is to make a final decision by buying some time. Inform the employer that you need time to think about their offer and tell them you will get back with a response. This will give you time to assess other offers on hand and then come to a sound decision.
5. Once you have finalised the job of your choice, turn down the other offers politely
After deciding on the offer you want to accept, your next course of action should be to turn down the other offers. While this may seem awkward, remember it’s just about making a choice. Inform the companies of your decision and remember to stay in touch through social media and other professional channels. You never know who might be of assistance in future, so it’s always good to be in touch with professional acquaintances – even companies whose job offers you haven’t accepted.
Send thank-you e-mails to all recruiters for having considered you for a particular role in their companies. Ending on a good note will foster a healthy relationship and potential recruiters impressed by your demeanour may even consider you for an open position in the near future.