You’ve received a new job offer. How exciting! But there’s just one complication: you already have a position. Which opportunity represents the best fit for you?
This represents one of those fork-in-the-road moments that can have ramifications for the rest of your career. It’s important to consider your options carefully. To make the best decision, you need to determine the right criteria to weigh your alternatives.
We’re here to help. Here are a few questions to keep in mind as you decide if a new position will be the best fit for you.
That way, you can make the right choice before you leave your current position:
How does the compensation package compare to your current position?
Sometimes making a decision is simple. At its heart, you toil away at your job as a way to make money. If you can switch positions and boost your salary, you should seriously consider the opportunity.
However, make sure you put your pay rate in context. A nominal boost in your paycheck might come with other tradeoffs. Look at the benefits package as well. At the same time, consider other aspects. A better-paying job that requires a long commute might not really be an improvement over a remote position with a slightly lower rate.
Does the new position push your career forward?
Think about the two positions from a long-term perspective. Sometimes, you need to take a slight step back to open up the possibilities for bigger growth down the road. Consider your overall career prospects as you weigh your choices.
Imagine where you’d like to be five or ten years down the road. Which position gets you closer to that dream? Give priority to the offer that best suits your grander ambitions.
Which job provides more opportunity to learn?
Building long-term career success requires expanding your skills. You may be a perfect fit for one of the jobs — it exactly matches your current abilities. The other opportunity might require a stretch.
Your instinct might be to go for the more comfortable option, the role you know you can perform in your sleep. However, give some weight to the chance to learn. A more challenging role might mark a major step forward in your professional development.
Does the new company provide a better cultural fit?
Don’t just think about the jobs as sets of responsibilities. Rather, think of them in terms of overall lifestyle. After all, you need to commit a large chunk of your waking hours to the position — it’s important that the job provides an emotional and even spiritual fit as well.
With that in mind, look closely at cultural factors. See which position provides the kind of working environment that will get the most out of you and provide a sustainable long-term home.
How does the new position fit into your broader lifestyle?
Culture is about values and mission. However, there are logistical factors to consider as well. You need to make sure the practical details of the position match your overall needs.
In this regard, think about topics like:
- Working hours
- Physical location
- Commute
- Stress levels
- Potential travel
Ready for a New Position?
Thinking of leaving your current position? Ready for the next stage in your career? A top recruiter, like Elby Professional Services, can help you find the ideal job for this stage in your professional development.
Contact Elby today to learn more.
