So, you’ve received multiple job offers, all at once. In a candidate tight market, this is becoming a regular occurrence. Whilst this can be a flattering position to be in, it can also be an overwhelming choice. Here are a few questions to ask yourself, that might just help lead you to your happy ever after.
WORKING 9 -5 LIKE DOLLY
First, you’ll be working in this job day-in, day-out, so try not to be influenced solely by the salary package on offer. You need to ask, what are the company benefits? Team culture? Commute? Work/life balance? What type of work you will be doing in the role? Job satisfaction and cultural fit are the main reasons that people look for a new job, not salary.
When you have a few offers on the table and the pressure of making a decision is mounting, try to take a moment, to properly consider all aspects of the role. As cliché as it sounds, writing a pros and cons list for each role and talking it through with a trusted party, can often help you cut through the noise and get down to the nitty-gritty of what work life will be like for you.
Remember, on Monday mornings you are the one who needs to tumble outta bed and stumble to the kitchen to pour yourself a cup of ambition. Make sure the thought of heading to your job doesn't make that any harder than it needs to be.
LONG-TERM GAIN (WITH NO SHORT-TERM PAIN)
Secondly, think about whether or not the job can support your long-term goals. Does it have the right kind of training that will help you progress in your career? Or is there a glass ceiling?
What is the career trajectory on offer? Does this job have the right kind of training and mentoring that will help you develop and progress in your career? Or will you plateau and be kept at the same level for a long period of time?
Companies that invest in people and their development have great retention rates. There’s no need to look elsewhere for career progression when your current employer already supports this, so make sure you cover any questions relating to your career progression.
DO THEY STAY OR DO THEY GO?
What is the retention like at the company you are considering working for? Are there long-term happy employees or is it a revolving door of people? Retention is a great indicator of company culture and employee satisfaction.
Be sure to ask the recruiter or hiring manager what the average tenure of current employees is.
Side Note: If the business has just gone through (or is currently going through) a period of growth, there may be a lot of new staff/roles, rather than replacement staff, so take this into account.
THE CURVEBALL
One final thought. If you are dealing with a counteroffer from your current employer, remember your reasons for wanting to leave in the first place – have they been addressed or is it an attempt to patch a sinking ship with a band-aid?
For the vast majority of people who change jobs, money is only part of the bigger picture so be sure that the factors that made you want to leave, have been resolved. Otherwise, there's a good chance you’ll be looking for work again in a matter of months and you might have passed up your dream role for a bigger paycheque without addressing any real issues.
We can't tell you which role to choose. But answering these questions (honestly) will typically lead you in the right direction.
Recruitment Consultant