How to decide between two job offers

It might sound like the dream, but having two job offers on the table can make for a hard decision. Both roles might offer great opportunities, but choosing the one that aligns best with your career goals, values, and lifestyle requires careful thought. Rushing into a decision can lead to regret, so it’s important to evaluate your options thoroughly.

Our experts share key factors to consider—like long-term growth, company culture, and work-life balance—to help you make the best choice for your future. Here's what to keep in mind as you decide.

8 tips for deciding between job offers

1. Don’t keep them waiting 

Time is of the essence when deciding between job offers. “Some companies may give you up to a week to make your decision, although this will largely depend on the length and structure of their recruitment process,” explains Hywel Davies, associate director at Robert Walters Indonesia. He continues, “During the interview process you should have built up a good idea of whether you’re interested in the role, so a slow response could reflect badly on your decision-making skills and could even see the job offer withdrawn entirely.” It’s important to have a clear understanding of your interest in the roles during the interview process so that you're ready to make a timely decision.  

2. Think about your long-term career goals

When figuring out how to decide between multiple job offers, your long-term career goals should guide your choice.  “One of the main reasons people change roles is to advance their career, so when deciding on your next move your long-term career ambitions should be an important consideration,” says Dipen Kunwar, associate director at Robert Walters Japan. “Long-term ambitions should act as an end goal, and whichever job choice you make now, it should move you further down the road towards that end goal.”

Consider which role aligns better with where you see yourself in the next five or ten years. Will one offer give you more growth opportunities, or is one more closely related to the industry you want to thrive in?  

3. Be aware of ‘push’ factors

“When considering each role, ask yourself whether it would fulfil the reasons you decided to look for a new job in the first place,” suggests Dipen. Any candidate will likely experience ‘push factors’ driving them away from their current role, he says, but if the new job on offer doesn’t address these issues you could be left feeling unfulfilled and wondering if it was all worth it. As Hywel adds: “Don’t end up jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire by choosing the wrong role.” 

In short, make sure the new job solves the problems that led you to look for a change in the first place.

4. Assess the work/life balance

Work-life balance means different things to different people, so think about how each role will fit into your personal life. “Consider what impact each role will have on your own needs and requirements,” suggests Hywel. If you have a young family or other responsibilities, then the ability to work from home or work flexibly may be a more pressing concern, he says. “Also consider each role’s location and commute as this could significantly impact on your day-to-day life, although some companies may offer perks like childcare or gym membership that could offset these issues.”

5. Evaluate the company culture

“A company’s culture is critically important when deciding which offer to accept because you need to be sure you’ll enjoy going into work every day,” says Hywel. Company culture plays a huge role in your day-to-day work satisfaction. What constitutes a good culture fit largely depends on the individual, so “think about the types of roles you’ve enjoyed in the past, and which of the roles on offer comes closest to replicating that environment.”

To decide which opportunity to accept, consider where you’ll feel more comfortable. Do your research—ask friends or former employees about their experiences and think back to the vibe you got during the interview. A workplace where you fit in culturally can make all the difference. 

6. Reflect on the interview

“The interview process is where the magic happens, giving you the best chance to gain a good understanding of how the company operates on a personal level,” says Dipen. You may not be able to build a completely accurate picture of the job through an interview, but it should give you an idea of what to expect. “From a good interview, you’ll be able to imagine what a regular working day would be like and be able to gauge the company’s workplace culture which will enhance your decision-making process.”

7. Don’t get blinded by salary

It’s easy to let salary dominate your decision, but money isn’t everything. If you want to decide unbiased by salary, ignore the financial package.  

“While salary is obviously an important consideration in any job opportunity and should fairly reflect the level of work expected, it shouldn’t be the only factor determining whether you accept or reject an offer,” warns Dipen. A role could offer other, non-monetary perks such as increased responsibility or greater exposure,” he says. If you want to make an unbiased decision, focus on what excites you about the roles beyond just the paycheck.

8. Trust your gut

“If you’ve asked the right questions in the interview and researched both the companies and the specific roles on offer, you should be well-placed to make a sensible, informed decision on which job you should take,” concludes Hywel. However, he notes that taking on a new role is never without its risks regardless of how much thought has gone into the move. “Being risk-averse isn’t a bad quality when looking to change jobs, but at some point, you may just have to trust your gut and take that leap of faith!”

Still unsure how to decide between job offers? 

Finding the right job can be a challenge. If you’re struggling, remember to take your time, evaluate the options thoroughly, and think long-term. The right choice should move you toward your career goals while supporting your personal values and lifestyle. If you're feeling stuck, consider speaking with a careers advisor for professional guidance—having an expert help you weigh the pros and cons can provide valuable clarity and confidence in your decision.

Need more advice on navigating job opportunities? Explore more expert insights and tips to help you make confident career decisions.