When searching for a new job you will often only be able to fully decide which is the right job for you after exploring several opportunities, whether that be applying, talking to recruiters or going through the interview process. With this in mind, it is relatively common that you will be offered two jobs at the same time, so in this blog I wanted to share some tips that will hopefully help you to make the right decision for you.

Firstly logistics

When looking for jobs it’s so common to get carried away by a ‘cool employer’ or a bigger salary or even a promotion in terms of seniority, but my biggest advice (and ideally before you think about searching) is really think about the logistics that’ll work for you life.

What level of salary do you need short term and longer term, can you commit to the working hours and does the commute work. These things seem obvious don’t they? But actually these things are one of the biggest reasons we see candidates leave an employer, so it’s vital any job fits this criteria before applying, or worse accepting!

Longevity

Following on from the point above, and I appreciate this isn’t important to every candidate but for many it’s vital and overlooked. Whilst the job vacancy might tick your boxes now, it’s definitely worth being transparent with the employer about your career goals to ensure it matches or indeed is the right stepping stone for both parties.

Shannon (the first inductee onto our graduate program) wanted a long-term career in marketing but at the time was looking to gain rounded business experience before specialising. During her two years with us, she was promoted and gained great experience, which was fantastic for her and just what she was looking for but also added huge value to our business.

Culture and values

In my experience of recruitment, many candidates put this point at the top of their list but equally many unconsciously don’t despite it being really important to them. It’s worth really reflecting on what’s important to you ethically, the kind of environment you enjoy working in and finding out if the culture of the business you’re applying to join matches this before considering an offer.

What if both job offers are perfect? 

This is a question I often hear (and it’s possible) is that both job offers tick all your boxes, so how do you decide?

Well, a really basic but effective tool – grab an A4 piece of paper, draw a line down the middle and down one side write the facts of the first job that you like (or don’t) in order of importance to you. EG: Salary, hours, commute, training, culture, progression and people. Then on the second side, in the same order, write what the other employer offers, plus at the bottom anything additional.

Then the simple magic!

Almost like a football match, give a goal to each point (EG: higher salary would get a goal, better commute and so on!), until you have a final score. The winning score in most cases is your decision as hard as it seems, but it’s definitely worth going through the first 3 or 4 goals first (the most important ones) to make sure it stacks up.

A final note from me! 

The most important thing is you can say no to both, it’s only fair to you and the employer to accept a job if it’s the right move for you both. The biggest cost of recruitment is when is goes wrong.

If it is a no or you opt for the other choice my biggest advice is be professional, kind and really honest with the reason for your decision.

I hope this blog is useful but if you would like any help or advice please get in touch with me or one of the team!