How To Choose Between Multiple Job Offers

For the most simple version, take a piece of paper and draw one horizontal line that intersects with a vertical line in the shape of a lowercase letter t.  Next, write the name of each company and the position above the horizontal line on either side of the vertical line. Let’s assume you’re only choosing between two job offers.  Finally, list out bullet points for the benefits of each job offer. When you’re finished, it should look something like this:

ABC Corporation, SDR	XYZ Startup, AE
$60k base, $75k OTE Full benefits package Training program My best friend works there	$50k base, $80k OTE Generous stock options “This company has a shot” Office is right next to my apartment

If you want a more complicated version, you can add another column with your top priorities. If you’re having trouble thinking of priorities, you can use our list here. Reorder the list based on the priorities that are most important to you.

	ABC Corporation, SDR	XYZ Startup, AE
Compensation	$60k base, $75k OTE	$50k base, $80k OTE
Training	2-month training program	Not mentioned
Promotion opportunities	AE after two years	Sales manager after one year
Benefits	Full benefits package	Healthcare, nothing else
Time-off policy	14 vacation days per year	Not specified
Job security	High	Low
Commute time	30 minutes	5 minutes
Remote work	Yes, one day per week	No, not available

And you can add more columns if you have more than two offers that you’re choosing between.  After you’re finished, go through with a red marker and circle the job offer that wins in each category. Add up the amount of circles. Maybe count the important circles twice. The job offer with the most circles is your best choice.  Most importantly, consult with your mentors, friends, and family. And take plenty of time to make the decision. 

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