How to decide between two job offers

 It might sound like the dream but having two job offers on the table can make for a hard decision. Our experts share some crucial things to consider if you’re struggling to decide.

Have a growth mindset

Consider if the job offer’s role and scope is aligned with your career ambitions. “When faced with two job offers, evaluate whether there are learning opportunities for personal growth,” says Dominic Salomoni, director of commerce at Robert Walters Singapore. “Do either of these opportunities scare you a little? While the role may prove to be tough initially, it’ll force you to step out of your comfort zone and push you to learn more and pick up new skills.”

Future-proof your career

Technology has increased the rate at which jobs are changing and you need to make sure that you remain relevant in the future. “Choose the job offer that may expose you to niche but increasingly in-demand skill sets,” shares Dominic. “Technology and digitalisation are changing the way we live, work and play. If a job offers you the opportunity to get some hands-on experience with the latest technology tools, it is definitely worthwhile considering as this will certainly add to your CV in the future as well.”

Assess the work/life balance

“The work/life balance of any job means different things to different people, so consider what impact each role will have on your own needs and requirements,” suggests Hywel Davies, associate director of commerce at Robert Walters Indonesia. If candidates have young families or other responsibilities, then the ability to work from home or work flexibly may be a more pressing concern, he says. “Also consider each role’s location and commute as this could significantly impact on your day-to-day life, although some companies may offer perks like childcare or gym membership that could offset these issues.”

Evaluate the culture fit

“A company’s culture is critically important when deciding which offer to accept because you need to be sure you’ll enjoy going into work every day,” says Hywel. What constitutes a good culture fit largely depends on the individual, he explains, so candidates should take clues and insight wherever they can to assess if the workplace is right for them, such as asking friends or ex-employees who know the business, and checking social media channels such as Glassdoor and Instagram. “Think about the types of roles you’ve enjoyed in the past, and which of the roles on offer comes closest to replicating that environment.”

Consider the chemistry

Think back to the interview and reflect on whether there was good chemistry with your hiring manager, as well as your future team members – if they were involved. “Environment and relationships at the workplace are very important. You will be working closely with them and if you don’t get along with them, it’s going to be an issue in the future,” explains Dominic. “While there may sometimes be great incentives such as learning opportunities and salary, the working environment is usually one of key factors as to how happy you will be in a job.”

Don’t get blinded by salary

While salary is always going to be important, it shouldn’t be the deciding factor – particularly when you have two job offers on-hand. “If the difference between the two isn’t particularly significant, then do keep in mind that non-monetary benefits may bring more value to both your life and career in the long run, making it more worthwhile to choose the role with the slightly lower salary package.”

Trust your gut

“If you’ve asked the right questions in the interview and researched both the companies and the specific roles on offer, you should be well-placed to make a sensible, informed decision on which job you should take,” concludes Hywel. However, he notes that taking on a new role is never without its risks regardless of how much thought has gone into the move. “Being risk-averse isn’t a bad quality when looking to change jobs, but at some point, you may just have to trust your gut and take that leap of faith!”