In a job market where competition for top talent is fierce, it’s not uncommon to have multiple job offers on the table at any one time. But how do you choose the role that’s right for you? As a specialist Built Environment recruitment business, we often speak with candidates going through this exact situation and understand how difficult that decision can be. Based on what we’ve observed from nearly 2 decades recruiting in the Civil Construction, Building, Consulting Engineering and Architecture sectors, here are three key ways to decide between multiple job offers.

Return to Your Original Objectives

When considering how to choose between multiple job offers, think about what your goals were at the start of your job search. What were you looking for in a role? Are there things you’re willing to compromise on, and others that you can’t live without? The easiest way to make sense of all of this is to separate these requirements into essentials and luxuries, and then compare how well each role fulfils your top priorities (download our job offer tick sheet here). Also, consider which role is a better fit for your overall goals and the direction you want your career to go in.

Look at the Whole Picture

Although salary is certainly a key aspect, it isn’t the only factor to consider when comparing job offers. Evaluating a job offer objectively (whether it’s site-based or in an office) means getting a full idea of what is being proposed and weighing up the respective packages in terms of:

• Remuneration – In addition to salary, don’t forget to look at the other tangible benefits offered. For example, is there a company car or mobile phone? What about bonuses or other incentives? These benefits can make a big difference to the total package being offered, so make sure you take them all into account.
• Culture – We spend a fair amount of time at work and company culture has a big influence on how happy we are in a job. Does the culture fit with your personality and work preferences? As well as seeking insight from current or previous employees, think about the atmosphere of the office or worksite, how the hiring process was conducted and how you were treated throughout.
• Lifestyle impact – It’s important to keep in mind how much work/life balance you can expect in a role. Be sure to consider the hours of work and working arrangements, the length of the commute to and from projects and whether the role offers any flexibility.
• Future Opportunities – Look at what each role will offer you in the long term. Are there opportunities for a future promotion, to take on new responsibilities or get involved in special projects? Does the company support the learning and development of its employees?

It can be easy to get distracted by all the exciting perks on offer, but no amount of benefits will keep you satisfied if the job (or projects you’re working on) isn’t a good fit. Going through the above factors to consider when choosing a job will give you a better idea of the total impact of each role, and how well they meet your individual needs. Do your research, and if you aren’t sure about anything, ask for clarification. If you’re working with a specialist recruitment firm, your Recruiter will be able to give you additional insight.

Go with Your Gut

If you’ve gone through the steps above and still aren’t sure about your decision – follow your instincts. Have you picked up on any red flags during the process? Does one role just feel like it would be a better fit?

There is no such thing as a perfect job, and when there is more than one tempting offer, sometimes you need to just take a leap of faith. The chances are, you’ll definitely be kicking yourself if you don’t listen to your instincts and miss out on a great opportunity!

Summary

Having multiple opportunities on the table is a fantastic position to be in, however, deciding between them can be a difficult task. By carefully weighing up each offer and following the above steps, you can be confident in your decision.

If you’re struggling with how to choose between two job offers, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Consultive. We pride ourselves on providing impartial advice at every stage of your job search, and are committed to helping our candidates find not just any job but the right job!