Multiple Offers: Making the Choice

You got the call: the company you interviewed with has made an offer of employment. But wait — you just received the email from another company offering employment. How do you choose the correct company when you’ve received more than one offer of employment? It can be a delicate game of juggling the pros and cons of each.

M O N E Y

Money is often the first thing people look at when trying to decide on the correct position. If one company offers a significantly higher pay than the other, the answer may be right there in front of you. More money is always better, right? Well, not always. Other pros and cons come into the picture, particularly if you know each of the companies could potentially be the right fit.

P E R K S

Look at everything each company is offering, including health benefits, paid time off and offices. Then, look at the smaller things that you’ll deal with on a day–to–day basis. Is there onsite parking or parking vouchers, or do you have to pay to park? What perks come along with each company (cell phone reimbursement, paid expenses, daycare assistance)? What are each company’s values and working environment like?

Sometimes it’s the little things that can make or break your working experience. If one company offers you more money but doesn’t have great benefits or perks, they may fall second on the list to the company with the smaller salary but luxurious perks.

E X P E R I E N C E

If you still can’t decide, decipher which position will give you the best experience and help build your resume. Is one company more well–known than the other (meaning a bit more prestige with the position)? Will you have more responsibility at one than the other? Does one offer more room to grow within the company than the other? All of these factors could make your decision for you.