Help! I Have Two Job Offers
James Caan CBE
Recruitment Entrepreneur Chairman | Serial Entrepreneur | Investor on BBC's Dragons’ Den (2007-2010)
Job offers can sometimes be like buses and come along in pairs.When people are trying to find a new job then they will go through the process of updating their CV and checking all the usual places for possible openings. That kind of approach is bound to attract interest. And of course, if you are good at what you do then word will get around and you could find yourself with more than one offer on the table.
If you are in the position of having to make a choice between job opportunities then it should be viewed in a positive way. The key is to make the most of that situation.
Of course, the temptation will always be to go down the route of making a decision based on the money on offer. There is nothing wrong with that and if one firm is offering substantially more than the other then it can be an indication that they are the ones with the ambition, drive and financial clout.
But money should not always be the sole driver in the decision making process. Choosing a new job and a new employer is also about your long-term goals, and just as importantly, your personal happiness. Remember you could be handsomely rewarded but be stuck in a job with no prospects, and this isn't a situation you want to be in.
I would always advise people to take a step back before making a decision so you have a chance to think logically - and crucially, so you can find out as much as you can about the companies involved.
You need to see if a company matches your ambitions and principles and whether it is the kind of business you want entrust your future career with. Try and talk to people in the business and check out your prospective employees online. You may even want to speak to recruitment consultants in that sector - often they will know all about what different companies are like. Knowledge will give you the power to make the right choices.
Company culture is one of the most important factors to take into account. Unlike your salary, this is not something which can be negotiated - it is already set in stone. Think about when you went in for your interviews, or if you were shown around the office. Which company made you feel more comfortable? Which one had an environment where you would enjoy your work and flourish?
Remember to also consider your personal situation. You might have an incredibly tempting job offer but you need to take into account the impact it is likely to have on your loved ones and your personal life, in terms of the demands and possible commute. We all have to make sacrifices but there is a crucial work-life balance to be struck.
Most people have a long-term career plan, and you would want a role which corresponds with this. You need to make sure that there will be a chance to build on your skills and to develop in the role. Successful people should always be looking to keep moving forward; there is no point in taking a job which will be a dead end.
If you feel you are being rushed into a decision, this may make your mind up for you. A good company will realise that moving jobs can be a major life-changing decision and give you time to consider your options. If they want you badly enough, they will be prepared to wait.
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7 年Now think money or company culture
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7 年Tragically, Sally Mason, an HR manager was hit and killed by a 4×4 when she crossed the road while talking on her mobile. As her soul arrived at the Pearly Gates, St. Peter himself was on hand to greet her. “Welcome to Heaven,” said St. Peter. “Before you get settled in though, as with everyone, we’d like to give you the opportunity to experience both heaven and hell so what we’re going to do is let you have a day in each before you decide where you wish to spend eternity.” “Fair enough, although I’m sure I want to be in heaven”, said Sally. “But you’ve never been to hell so how would you possibly know?” And with that Ms Mason found herself on a seamingly endless escalator descending to Hell. Eventually she arrived and the HR manager found herself stepping onto a beach of fine white sand, with deep blue water lapping at her feet and a bar with gorgeous waiter serving refreshing cocktails. Just beyond that she could see a luxury hotel and friendly faces welcoming her, many of them people she knew from her life as an HR consultant. They sat around, reminisced, laughed, swam and then as the bright golden sun disappeared below the horizon they all went into the hotel for an amazing meal. She even met Satan who was also very friendly, and not at all like the evil devil she had been led to believe he was. The evening was fabulous with more drink, jokes and dancing. Heaven or hell? Sally had a wonderful time in hell but all to quickly her visit came to an end and she was whisked onto the escalator to sample heaven. Everybody smiled and waved good-bye as she disappeared into the clouds. The escalator went up for what seemed like an age but eventually she arrived at heaven where St Peter was once again there to greet her. “OK, so now it’s time to spend 24 hours in Heaven” he said. Sally took her place amongst the clouds. Everyone was sitting around, chatting quietly, playing lutes and harps, and Sally joined in. People were pleasant but it was nothing like as much fun as hell. In fact the 24 hours seemed interminable but eventually it all came to an end and St. Peter came see her. “So,” he said, “you’ve experienced heaven and hell – where would you like to spend the rest of eternity?” Without hesitating Sally replied, “Hell – no question. I can’t believe I’m saying this because before I arrived I would have stayed in heaven without even visiting hell, but now that I’ve seen it I know that’s much more my kind of place. Heaven is fine, but I think I’m better suited to spending the rest of eternity in hell.” St. Peter nodded and escorted her back to the escalator which swept her back down, eventually, to hell, but when she arrived it was very different. Sally found herself standing in a hot, dry, putrid smelling wilderness. For as far as she could see all around was detritus, organic waste, and the stench of death. All her friends, old and new were dressed in filthy rags and were picking up scraps of rancid food to eat. Satan came up to her again and welcomed her. “I don’t understand,” sobbed Sally. “When I came yesterday it was fabulous food and drink, beautiful sun drenched sandy beaches and clear blue sea. Now all there is is a wasteland of putrid waste and everyone is scratching around for food.” The Devil looked at her and smiled, “that’s because yesterday we were recruiting you, but now you’re on the staff.”
Licensed Esthetician
7 年I 100% agree with this article James, the cultural fit is huge. If my students are lucky enough to receive two offers, which many are, that is a criteria we exam at length.
Managing Director at G.C. EXECUTIVE SEARCH
7 年As a Recruiter, your Candidates are equally important as your Clients, in time your Clients become candidates and your Candidates become clients. The match becomes more profitable than the paycheck
Manager, Global Partners - EMEA at Axis Communications.
7 年Simple and accurate! Thank you James Caan CBE . In addition, a good recruiter should assist the decision making process by being honest about the Company Culture, travel times, bonus schemes, incentives, etc....