How do I choose the right job offer and what do the rules say?
When you are a job seeker, you often have more than one application out at the same time and may be invited to multiple job interviews. It can be difficult to make a decision if you are offered one of the jobs but still don't hear back from the one you really want.
In this article, we go through three situations and give advice for making a sometimes difficult decision.
Situation 1: You are offered a job but are waiting for a response from another job that you would rather have. What can you do?
It can be a difficult dilemma to be in that situation.
Initially, you can try to delay the process for a few days in the hope that you will hear from the other workplace.
If this is not possible, it may be an advantage to sign a contract so that you are assured that you can start the job. Below in situation 2 you can read about the rules if you are subsequently offered the job that you would rather have.
Situation 2: You have signed an employment contract for a new job, but now you get a job offer that you would rather switch to. What can you do?
Unfortunately, there is no form of cooling-off period where you can "cancel" the signature.
Once you sign an employment contract, it is legally binding because you have an agreement on a start date.
You are therefore obliged to work for the company from the start date until you can resign from your position in accordance with your notice period. The notice period is stated in your contract, and there will often be a shortened notice period for the first 3 months (the probationary period). Read more about termination during the probationary period.
Legally, your employer can also claim half a month's salary if you want to leave your job early. This is a form of compensation for the situation you have put them in. However, it is rare that we at IDA see employers making this claim.
The best thing you can do is to give your new manager honest notice as soon as possible, once all the formalities have been settled with the more attractive job. You may be able to work out an agreement to have the contract cancelled so that you can start the new job more quickly.
It may be helpful for the conversation to consider that an employer is typically not interested in spending resources on training a new employee, knowing that the person is not motivated to be there and will likely quit in the near future.
Therefore, an employer may also see that it is best to cancel the agreement, as they can then look at the next candidate in the hiring pool and instead spend the resources on someone who actually wants to be there.
Situation 3: You have been to several job interviews and now have several good job offers. Which job should you choose?
When choosing between several job offers, you should consider your current life situation, the tasks, your competencies, and what kind of working life you hope to achieve.
Try asking yourself these 3 questions:
1 Does the job fit your current life situation?
Start with your life situation and assess how the job fits into your everyday life and what you generally want to achieve in the job.
Make a list of what is important for you to achieve in your next job – consider, for example:
- tasks
- responsibilities
- salary
- working conditions
- development opportunities
- flexibility
- work environment
- management style
- the balance between work and leisure
- geographical location
It might be a good idea to rate your wishes with a value from 1-5, so you can see what is “nice to have” and what is “need to have”.
Compare the different job offers with your wish list to see where you can get most of your “need to have” wishes fulfilled. And also remember that there is most likely no job that fulfills all your wishes.
2 Do the tasks sound interesting?
Once you have reflected on your wishes, also focus on the tasks themselves in the two positions.
Are these tasks where you would use your strengths, i.e. something you are good at, and are these tasks that you are motivated to work on?
If you find a job where you both use your strengths and at the same time find the tasks motivating, you are more likely to create results and thrive in the job.
3 Which path do you see for your career?
Sometimes, two different jobs can take you in different directions in your working life.
Perhaps one job takes you in one direction professionally, while the other job gives you different skills. Perhaps one job is a stepping stone to a management position or a job abroad – the other is not.
Consider how you can best build on your professional foundation and create the career and working life you want.
Trust your gut
Once you have made a decision, check in with your gut feeling about it – it often means more than you might think.
Check the contract before you accept an offer
There may also be legal differences in job offers, for example when it comes to clauses, bonus schemes, the possibility of working from home and extra holiday, parental leave or pension.
You are welcome to contact us at IDA for advice on the significance of these differences.