Searching for a job isn’t easy. Whether you’ve just set out on your journey or you’ve been job searching for some time now, you know how difficult it can be to find the right positions.
The landscape is changing on the Canadian hiring scene, however, and competition between employers is heating up. You may begin receiving multiple job offers.
When you partner with an agency, like Liberty Staffing, to find work, you may receive more than one job offer when you come in to apply.
Anyone who has been in this situation has had to ask themselves, “How do I decide among multiple job offers?”
To decide among multiple job offers, there are a number of tactics you can use, including deciding on a minimum acceptable offer, comparing total compensation, considering the non-financial factors, and more.
1. Decide on a Minimum Acceptable Offer
This step should be taken before you begin considering job offers. What’s the minimum offer you’d accept from an employer? Salary or wage should be a key consideration, but look at the other aspects of the offer as well.
Consider trade-off as well. Would you take a job with a lower salary provided it had good benefits or a perk like unlimited vacation? You may also want to think about contract lengths, part time versus full time hours, shift flexibility, and more.
2. Consider the Total Compensation of Each Offer
Once you have multiple job offers, you’ll need to compare them. One way to begin the comparison is to look at the salaries or hourly wages each offer outlines.
You should look at more than just the salary or wage. Think about total compensation. Compensation goes beyond just salary and includes benefits, pension plans, vacation, and other means designed to compensate you. A contract may come with a signing bonus or a bonus upon completion of the contract. A sales person may earn commission.
Compensation can make one job offer a clear winner, even if it isn’t paying the highest salary.
3. Look at the Non-Financial Factors
Everyone looks at the financial factors when considering job offers. Fewer people look beyond to consider other aspects of the job. One job may pay quite a bit more, but what are the responsibilities? Does this job ask you to be on-call seven days a week or to travel often?
You may also want to consider the workplace. Do you know this is a safe environment to be working in? What do you know about the company’s culture? If you’re going to be unhappy working for the company, it may not be the right choice, even if it pays the most.
4. Think About What’s Not Said
Any job offer will outline salary, compensation, and work hours. Some factors may not be stated outright in the job offer. For example, a company may have the expectation that workers will come in for overtime shifts on a regular basis. This may not be stated as part of the offer.
There are other considerations as well. A potential employer isn’t legally bound to tell you if you’ll have an opportunity to move up in the company. They also can’t tell you if your commute is worth it or if you’ll like your manager or supervisor.
These things are important to consider, since they’ll affect how much you like the job and working for the company. If you have a great experience, you’re more likely to be satisfied with the option you choose.
5. Separate Needs from Wants When Considering Multiple Job Offers
One last piece of advice is that you’ll need to separate your needs from your wants. Would it be nice to work for a place offering unlimited vacation? Of course, but is it necessary? You may be able to get by working somewhere that offers a standard two week vacation policy.
At Liberty Staffing, our main goal is for you to obtain a job you’ll truly love. Keep these tips in mind as you decide among multiple job offers. These tips will help you make the right decision.
