Making your mind up about next job move

2:35pm Thursday 24th July 2008

IF you want a new job, it makes sense to go for more than one interview, but what happens if you find yourself torn between two great offers?

Hunting for a job can be like expecting a bus – you wait for ages, then two come along at once. When it comes to choosing which one to take, it is worth looking at how far you want to go.

During each interview you may think interviewers have covered all the aspects of what the position entails, but try to think of as many questions as possible to get a better picture of how you will fit with the company culture.

Do not feel obliged to take up the first job offer on the spot. Taking a little time to consider each option carefully may prevent a hasty decision which could leave you wondering if you have made the right choice after all.

On the other hand, deliberate for too long, and do not be surprised to find yourself without either job and back to square one.

One of the first things most people take into account when choosing which job to go for is which has the best salary. But, remember, money is not everything. You could pick the position purely for the wages and later find you are unhappy with the work and stuck in a rut.

Look at the possibility of long-term career prospects. Is there a good chance of progressing within the company, can they provide training in new skills or offer vital experience before someone takes the next step up the career ladder?

Some of the other areas which need to be considered are what kind of benefits each company can offer, such as a good pension scheme, health insurance, holidays, share options, a company car or company gym.

The office environment is just as important as the job itself for those who are planning to stay with the company for a long time.

Ask yourself what sort of atmosphere the workers create and if it feels like the kind of place you could be happy in.

Trust intuition. Even if nerves set in, first impressions can often be right.

Travel may seem a trivial subject when looking for the ideal job but if it involves moving to another area, it can mean drastic changes to life.

If the choice between two jobs boils down to the location, ask if it is only the fear of moving to a new place which is preventing you from starting a brilliant new career.

The most important thing of all once the choice is made is to make sure there is a firm job offer before turning the other one down.