26 May 2022

How to Decide Between Two Jobs

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Getting a job is like playing a game of lottery. Sometimes you’ll win. Sometimes you’ll lose. And sometimes you’ll hit the jackpot, taking home the biggest prize of them all.

But what exactly are you supposed to do when multiple job offers head your way?

Give yourself a huge pat on the back.

You’ve impressed the hiring managers so much that they’ve decided to offer you a job.

But which role are you ultimately going to accept?

To make life easier, we’ve put together some tips to help you maintain a good rapport with both companies and support you on your amazing journey to success.



1) Think about your goals

Before saying yes to a job offer, there are a few things you should consider first. Ask yourself whether the job aligns with your career prospects. If so, there is a good chance you’ll want to stay in that company long-term.

Next, think beyond the graduate programme itself.

Does the role allow you to progress? Will you get a permanent contract at the end of it? Personal development is everything when it comes to choosing a company. As long as you’re learning and growing in your role, the future is bright.

The pandemic has opened up lots of exciting opportunities for remote or hybrid working. Nevertheless, there are companies that still require employees to go into the office every day.

Would you be prepared to travel or relocate? And are you happy with the salary being offered, now that we’re in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis?


2) Create a comparison chart

Write down the pros and cons of accepting each job offer. Listing these side-by-side will help you spot patterns easily and determine which company is the best fit overall.

If you’re unsure where to begin, start by writing down all the benefits that are important to you. Here are some of the most common examples you’ll come across:

Annual Leave: Many consider annual leave a huge priority when choosing a role. If this is the case for you, find out how much time off the company offers before you commit.

Retirement: Not all employers will take retirement benefits into account, so this is definitely something to look into. Find out whether you’re able to contribute into a pension, and whether your employer will match that each month. 


3) Research the culture

Work culture refers to many things, from hierarchical structures to friendly, supportive teams. The more inclusive a company’s culture is, the higher the likelihood that an employee would feel content in their role and want to stay in it.

For more information about the dynamics of an organisation, have a look through the insightful reviews on RateMyPlacement.co.uk. Alternatively, you can ask your hiring manager for their opinion and draw your conclusions from there.

Diversity is a crucial trait to have in the workplace and can significantly impact a business’s success rate moving forwards. Happy employees are productive ones, so be sure to look up the company policy before signing on the dotted line. 

Want to find out more about corporate social responsibility?


Company culture

4) Trust your intuition

If you’re still undecided about which job offer to go for (even after you’ve weighed up all your options), follow your instincts. Picture yourself in each of these positions and imagine what your average day working for that company would look like.

Read through the job descriptions again. Which role gets you excited and will allow you to showcase your skills and expertise? All these factors should help you in making that final decision.

Once you’ve considered everything carefully, it’s time to deliver the verdict…


 5) Be honest with employers

You’ve reached the end of the road and are about to let one unlucky employer know that they haven’t made the cut. 

All these thoughts are running through your mind as you prepare to press that ‘send’ button.

  • ‘What will the employer think?’
  • ‘Will they be mad and hate me forevermore?’
  • ‘Will they add my name to their Burn Book?’

No, they won’t be mad. They won’t hate you at all. In fact, they’ll appreciate your honest response and professionalism. This can go a long way in building your professional network and could even help you secure your next position.