Considering multiple job offers

You may have heard the saying, “looking for a job is a job in itself.” When you are actively looking for a job, applying at multiple companies almost becomes a routine and ending up receiving more than one job offer can definitely be a huge possibility for some.

Encountering multiple job offers can be a challenge when those employers present you with attractive and competitive compensation packages. You really have to think about which one matches your goals and aspirations.

Goals and priorities

Regardless of where you stand in your career, it is important to reflect on your goals and priorities. Your goals will help you prioritize your career needs, as well as help you evaluate various opportunities that will or already have come your way.

In determining priorities, work location, benefits, compensation, travel and professional development opportunities are some of the factors that could be considered. For instance, for compensation, think about the salary and the company’s policy on salary increases and incentives or stock options. For benefits, consider pensions, medical, dental, life insurance, sick time and personal leave. Hours of work are also one of the big factors job seekers look for along with vacation entitlement, flexible hours, statutory leave policies, transfers and relocation policies. As for position description and responsibilities, if travel is required, consider the hours of work, travel and automobile expense policies and whether or not the required commitment to the job actually fits your career goals. Another incentive most people look for, especially those who are interested in furthering their knowledge and development, is training and development. Larger companies like Fortune 500 or Top 100 Employers offer to pay for their employees’ training, memberships in industrial or professional associations and support education assistance.

Compare job offers

After you have determined what is important to you, take a look at each offer and make a list of how it measures up to each of your goals and priorities. If one of the jobs offers a high salary but requires overtime and more travel and if it may make it impossible for you to enjoy family life, perhaps considering a slightly less paying job that is closer to home and would allow for work-life balance would be the best choice. Remember that higher compensation comes with much bigger and more challenging responsibilities. Also, in weighing job offers, it’s important to think back on how each company handled your interview. Their responsiveness and level of professionalism are all significant indicators of how they conduct their business and how they manage their employees.

Accept or decline

When responding to offers, it is generally expected to respond in person or telephone call. A formal letter in response to a formal written offer is also appropriate. Once you have weighed your options and have selected your top choice, it’s now time to face the other offers. As soon as you have made your decision, let all the other organizations know about it. Generally when receiving a letter of offer, a timeframe to respond is provided. It is very important to honour this date.

When declining an offer, the very first thing to do is thank them for the opportunity and compliment their business. Even though you will not be accepting their offer, treat them the same way you would expect them to treat you. Be respectful, professional and most important, do not burn bridges. You never know whom you might be in contact with or even work with in the future. Not only that, you may end up applying for a different position there again someday.

The end goal for a choosing the right job offer is to find the right fit. It’s always a good idea to discuss important career moves with a friend, mentor or a family member. On the positive side, when faced with multiple offers, you not only have a better opportunity to choose the best position that fits and meets your immediate needs, but you also have the opportunity to maintain your long-term career goals.

Michele Majul-Ibarra is a compliance officer with Canada Post Corporation specializing in human Rights and conflict management. She graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a certificate in Human Resource Management. She also has a professional designation, C.I.M. (Certified in Management) awarded by the Canadian Institute of Management through the University of Manitoba.

Find Career Connexion on Facebook.

Have a comment on this article? Send us your feedback