Have you recently received a job offer? Congratulations! Now comes the consideration phase. Are you going to accept the offer or weigh other options? There are probably a ton of scenarios running through your head, and likely so. The job search can be a lengthy process with the end goal of receiving an offer, but now that you have you must decide if it is the right opportunity for you.

Let’s face it. Finding a job is difficult. The job seeker has likely applied to many jobs, and either received the generic denial email, or maybe not even heard back at all which can lead to self-doubt in your skills or career path. Because the current national unemployment rate is the lowest it has been in nearly two decades (3.8 percent), employers are finding it difficult to find top-level talent to meet their hiring needs.

The ideal situation in the job search is receiving multiple job offers and being able to weigh your options. How do you decide which opportunity is the best for you and your future career goals? According to Senior Executive Director of Robert Half, Paul McDonald, there are a variety of factors to consider.

Compensation

This is a major consideration for people looking at new opportunities. Chances are you are not satisfied with your current compensation, so you’re looking for an increased rate. Many people base their decisions on how much they will get paid, but compensation is more than that. You must consider additional benefits: medical insurance, vacation/sick time, stock options, etc.

Career Path

Will the job you are considering help you achieve your career goals? Does it offer advancement opportunities? With the average worker having 10 jobs before the age of 40, you must take a long-term view at the potential opportunity. Will it help you develop the skills necessary to continue your career?

Lifestyle

The work-life balance is very important these days. Does this new opportunity provide a satisfactory balance for you? Things to consider are commute to and from work, work-from-home options, work hours, etc. The easiest way to find this out is to ask the employer. You don’t want to assume that you’ll have some of these options, just to get to work and not be eligible.

Corporate Values And Culture

This is a major factor to consider. After all, if you don’t agree with the company’s values, chances are you won’t believe in the company’s mission. As a result, you likely won’t thrive in the opportunity. During the interview process, you should have gotten a good feel as to what the culture and values are which should influence your decision one way or another. If you think that you don’t have a good feel about what the values and culture are, one way to do more research is to check out their website or social media channels.

Wrap Up

Having multiple job offers to decide from is the ideal situation for job seekers. However, it can also be a pretty stressful time. You want to make the right decision, and it can be easy to second guess yourself, so being aware of the proper considerations can make all the difference. Although we only covered three factors, you can read the rest of them here, and make the best decision for your future.

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