How do you choose between two competing job offers? It’s a real humdinger when both are equally enticing but for different reasons. How do you surmount this conundrum when each vacancy offers attractive rewards and perks? Are there certain criteria you should use to arrive at a decision? Which do you value more – benefits, career progression and job satisfaction or a competitive annual base salary with uncapped commission? What will it take to seal the deal for you? Answers to all of these questions will vary from person to person, but we’ve outlined some thought processes which will help you determine which opportunity is right for you.
The astronomical cost of living in modern cities makes it difficult not to let earning potential be your guiding principle when deciding between competing job offers. However, this can be a myopic decision which can cost you dearly in the long run, as it’s increasingly difficult to change career paths later on, with employers seeking only candidates boasting relevant experience. Is it worth jeopardising your future career for short term gains?
How to prioritise
When faced with a decision of this magnitude where the stakes are so high it can be difficult to take the time engage in meditative self-reflection. But, alas, this is precisely what is required to help you make the right decision. Your priorities are intensely personal so only you can determine whether more money will ameliorate the drudgery of completing tasks which do not fulfill you. A Twitter poll has revealed that 67% of the general public would rather be happy in their jobs than earn more money in a position with meagre future prospects, but you may feel differently.
Career goals
If you have not yet worked these out then there’s obviously no problem in making a decision based on salary. However, if you’ve invested a lot of time, energy and money in pursuing a certain career path, then you’re better off selecting a role which aligns with your long term career plan. By passionately producing quality work you will attain a sense of pride and it’s likely your employer will take note of your work ethic which will lead to quicker progression and increased responsibilities.
Earning potential of competing job offers
Accepting a role purely for financial gain can lead inexorably to boredom so it’s essential that you’re certain the monetary rewards are sufficiently satisfying to compensate for this ennui. Earning potential alone is unlikely to motivate you to exceed personal expectations or those of your employer. You will also be sacrificing personal and professional development opportunities such as the chance to progress in the company, grow personally, learn from coworkers and upskill. These are all important elements of the decision making process if you’re thinking long term.
What to consider
Are the tasks and expectations for the first 6 months clearly set out in the job description? If not, you won’t know which KPIs to deliver on during your probationary period. Will the company restrict your development if it’s felt that you are progressing too quickly? All these considerations should influence your decision.
Company culture is another important factor to consider as it can play a big part in overall job satisfaction. It can also overshadow the earning potential of a commission based role. Is it likely that your future colleagues will motivate you to continuously improve your personal performance? Mull such questions over before making your selection.
Conclusion
In the end this decision will hinge on your personal ambitions or lack thereof. If your only goal right now is to make a lot of money quickly then you’ll be happy to sacrifice other conditions which will constitute deal breakers for those with clearly defined career goals. Once you’re aware of what your goals are and what you’re willing to sacrifice, then the decision process is made a lot easier.
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