Career Development and Employment Centre

Evaluate Job Offers

So you have found a company you like, have had a positive interview, and now have received a job offer. How do you decide if it is the right position for you?

There are many elements to consider before your interview and before accepting a job offer. To conduct an effective evaluation, first consider your needs/ necessities/ non-negotiable. What are the job/ company criteria that you are not willing to compromise on? Second consider your wants/ dreams/ goals. What do you want out of the job? What will make the job more enjoyable and fulfilling?

Your needs and wants will be unique to you. Make a list to help you decide on a position or help you in negotiations. Below is a sample list of considerations to help you identify which points are relevant to your own job evaluation process and to create your job needs and wants list. Reflect on what other criteria you may want to add.

Deciding between two or more offers:

You may find yourself in the fortunate position where you have been offered two or more positions in the same period of time, or have been offered a position while making a decision on another position. How do you decide which one to take?

The first step to consider is requesting a deadline extension for accepting the position. Do not ask the employer for any more time than a week as it may demonstrate a lack of enthusiasm for the position.

If you have been offered a position with one employer but are waiting to hear about another position you interviewed for, you may ask for an extension on the deadline. However be careful not to give up an opportunity which has been offered to you while you wait to hear about another position.