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How to Choose Between Multiple Offers

The goal of a successful job hunt is to find employment. An ideal job hunt may result in a few different employment options to choose from. Such a situation can cause an unexpected amount of stress for some people. When faced with multiple offers, you have the opportunity to choose the position that will not only meet your immediate needs, but also further your long term career goals.,[ U0Z2\nP0h;Z'~

8Laj;C'l(W0[#hP We know, it is a “high class problem” to have. Keep in mind, it is not always what you say yes to that is important — you also have to know when to say no as well. Here is a small guide to help you compare options and determine which of your opportunities is right for you!
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8uF&o+ES Kb!~gN How to Choose Between Multiple Offers
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,H4`Q!~3WP/Ij [b]Determine your goals and priorities[/b]$K/ot9DM&Ou$d

r*p@Rgw,R Regardless of where you are in your career, it is important to occasionally reassess your career goals and aspirations. Outlining these goals will help you prioritize needs and requirements. This will help you assess the various opportunities that will, or have already, come your way.E3\2O P.d:W'G8F
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When determining your priorities, consider things such as location, pay, travel, benefits, potential for growth, position longevity, work atmosphere, company culture and time commitments. Also include personal considerations – time with family and friends, stress level, personal goals and even your own morals. Chances are you left your last position feeling under-appreciated or worse, completely unhappy with your surroundings. Take the time to understand your own personal needs to avoid a repeat situation. Life is too short!
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[b]Compare offers[/b]
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After you have determined what is important to you, take each offer and make a list of how it measures up to each of your goals and priorities. If the great paying job happens to be across town, will require more travel and makes it impossible for you to enjoy your family life, maybe you should consider the slightly lower paying job that is across the street. Whatever your priorities, by methodically ranking each position, your options should become more clear.
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It’s also important to think back on how each organization handled your interview. Consider their interview process, responsiveness and professionalism — these are all indicators of how they do business. The best predictor of future behavior is the past. If the offer looks great on paper, but something did not sit right with you during the course of your dialog with them, trust your gut instincts. They are probably right.^'l6aE3Opo8F8d

J!^V'Q$^e\PO ?0s [b]Seek Advice[/b]
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c,F/P\&])qk:c%wbj%a5Bg It is always a good idea to talk out important career moves with a trusted friend, mentor or your family. Perhaps they will think of something you have missed and offer advice. If you have contacts within the organizations you are considering, contact them as well. If you can be frank, ask them about their benefits, opinion of the company, bosses, and even things such as bonuses and incentives. Just remember to consider any potential bias that they might have.%`Wc,]~
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[b]Respond to the Offers[/b]HEmf/kl8ze6B8N*b f

2l;D.e"ol3G6n Contact with a potential employer always depends on the industry, but when it comes to responding to an offer, always err on the side of professional. It is typically expected that you respond in person or via a polite phone call. A formal letter in response to a formal written offer is also appropriate.
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[i]When accepting an offer, be enthusiastic and gracious. End with a strong “I look forward to working with you!” When declining an offer, thank them for the opportunity. It is a good idea to compliment their business as well. Depending on your situation, it might also be appropriate to vaguely describe why you are declining. Mention your opportunity elsewhere. If you are comfortable, you can even state the company you have accepted with.[/i];K T u K4SIq{p
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As soon as you have made your decision, let all potential organizations know about it. Generally when receiving an offer, a time frame will be set on your response. It is important to honor this date.
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The rules of responding to an offer can all be summed up by the golden rule. Treat your potential organizations in the same manner that you would expect them to treat you. Remain respectful, courteous and never burn bridges. You never know who you might be in contact with again in the future!

it is great! thanks!

another tip/advice - if you have one offer, but think another might be made in the near future, be very careful with how you position yourself, lest you loose both.
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a5G Z$_l[1bh0? Try to asses the possible offer, based on what you know. If you think it is much better than the offer in hand, ask if you can have a week to decide. Let the possible offer know you have an offer on the table - giving them the chance to weigh in. !y`3w^
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L!W:\(^0S@VE? My personal experience is that while I really wanted that possible offer to come through, it was weeks before I actually heard from them. And even then they were flaky. By then I had taken the first offer and was completely happy with the decision.