With the insecurity surrounding the job application process, having to pick between two offers is certainly a good problem to have. But it can be a problem, nonetheless. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when weighing offers from each employer.
What do I remember from the interview?
Monster career expert Vicki Salemi told the site about clues to think about when deciding between offers.
“Weigh any red flags that emerged during the interview. Was the boss checking emails while you were speaking? Or did the interview last until 7 p.m. and was the office was still full of people working?…Candidates often overlook one of the most important and intangible factors—their boss. How well did you get along with that prospective manager? Did you like him or her?” Salemi told Monster.
Also think about if you’ll want to be associated with this employer — and its culture — for the rest of your career, no matter where you go.
(This might be a little premature, but say you choose the offer from the place that ends up not having best company culture: Here’s how to distance yourself from it in future interviews.)
Will this job help me get what I want in work and life?
While pursuing bigger and better salaries with every new job — plus the need to scale the corporate ladder — you can get wildly off track when it comes to your career and your life.
Work shouldn’t be your everything, but as what you really want slips out of focus, you might find it hard to say no to things that will just benefit you financially. But it’s important to remember where you ultimately want to be, and find people along the way who can help you get there.
What will my paycheck and benefits look like?
While money isn’t everything, the need for the perfect side hustle is all too real at times, so you’ll want to get a job that helps you and your family work toward increased financial stability.
But don’t forget about benefits— what insurance does your employer provide? Will you be able to keep saving for retirement?
Consider where you want to be financially, and to what degree this job can help you move forward.
How long is the commute?
Spending a whole lot of time on a train, bus, or in a car to and from work translates into higher transportation costs for you, so figure out what you’re willing to spend — and how long you’re willing to sit.
Will I be able to move forward professionally here?
After all, you don’t want to be employed by a company where promotions aren’t even an afterthought.
Working somewhere that provides training, no matter what professional stage you’re in, and gives you chances to eventually take on increased responsibility is key.
Do I believe in what the company stands for?
With the need for meaning at work, you can use this as an opportunity to finally land a position where you feel (at least somewhat) fulfilled.
Think about it: Do you care about the company’s ultimate goal? What about the work you’d be doing?
Whether you’ll be working remotely or in an office, you’ll be spending a significant portion of your workweek on assignments, so you want to care about how that ties into the company’s overall vision.
What is there to do outside of work?
Chance are, you already know if you currently work near this potential employer.
But this question becomes especially important to think about when moving to a new city. That being said, make it feel like home by joining clubs, groups, and being open to spontaneous social opportunities.