The typical job search can be tough. You may have been struggling to secure one job offer - but now you have been offered two at the same time. What do you do?
It's natural to feel apprehensive about making a decision, in fear of discovering that the job you chose is not for you and that you turned down an amazing opportunity. It's not an easy decision to make and it can become a major headache, however, remember that the power is in your hands.
Here are some top tips for helping you decide on which job offer to accept when you get multiple job offers:
Get to know the roles
If you're juggling two job offers and don't know which one to choose, it would be wise to get to know the roles a little better to determine which one you prefer.
It will do no harm to ask for a bit of time to weigh up your options - after all, this is a job you're likely to remain in for several years, so it has to tick your boxes.Having a few days' breathing space will give you time to consider the pros and cons and get to grips with which of the roles is best suited to your interests, skills, and experiences.
Think about the long-term
When faced with two job offers, it's always wise to think about the long term. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Does the job match your career expectations and progression? If not, it may not be the role for you.
Some of the aspects you may want to think about for the long-term include:
- Commuting time
- Work hours
- Salary and financial incentives
- Career development opportunities
- Flexibility
If any of these factors don't seem to be aligning with your future goals in one of the job roles, it may not be a smart choice to go down that particular route.
Be honest
Unless you get the impression that the employer who has given you the role first will get annoyed by the fact that you have had another offer, it is always worth being honest about your situation.
Not only does this show that you're an upfront and trustworthy individual, but also in high demand by employers. If they really want you to join their team, they may even offer additional incentives to get you on board.
In the worst-case scenario, the employer may push you for an answer quicker than you would like, but they're highly unlikely to withdraw the job offer and give it to another candidate.
Make your decision
Informing one employer that you're turning down their offer is one of the hardest parts of this situation. Explain that you have taken considerable time to think it through and briefly explain why it's not the job for you. To finish, thank the employer for their time and that you're grateful for the opportunity.
Always ensure that you have a written job offer from both parties before making any decisions - verbal offers are not typically official.
If you haven't yet found a job in your career field, Inspiring Interns have an array of graduate jobs and internships in all sectors. Check out their job board for the latest!
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