Making a Decision
At this point, you’ve done your research and asked a lot of great questions. Having gone into your interviews with a clear understanding of your priorities has helped you better assess the fit. But you don’t have to go with your gut — you have a spreadsheet!
Next is the simple matter of turning your feelings into numbers. Maybe this isn’t strictly scientific! But it’s not an impossible task to ask yourself if Job A felt more stable than Job B based on the research you’ve done. You even have some solid data to refer to, like financial reports and average employee tenure.
Quantifying these items is a process, but if you’ve done your work, it helps you consider matches more analytically. If you’re lucky enough to have a few offers, lean into weighing them against each other to come up with scores. If you’re leaving a job, add your experiences there to the list for comparison.
Job searches have a way of bringing your priorities to the front of your mind. It’s alright to tweak your criteria weights a little if you realize they seem off. But don’t take them lightly either; remember that you created them after a lot of reflection, before emotion was in the picture.
Once your stoic spreadsheet gives you advice, you still have to make a decision. Talk it over with your inner circle, reflect on your interview impressions or flip a coin (note: do not flip a coin). Whatever your decision process is, you’ll sleep more soundly knowing you reflected on your motivations and did your research.
Key Takeaways
- It’s important to consider your job search criteria early in the process and commit them to writing.
- Do your research before and throughout an interview process to fully understand the opportunity.
- Interviews are a two-way street, so be sure to come prepared with questions that will help you determine if the job is really right for you. It’s reasonable to ask for more meetings post-offer.
- Take good notes during or after interviews, so you don’t forget the answers to your great questions.
Have you recently searched for a job? Join the forum below to discuss your search criteria and favorite employer research tips.
About the Author
Jeff Rames went through multiple job searches in the past year — and spent a lot of sleepless nights second-guessing his decisions. He’s happily helping people afford and manage their healthcare as a Senior Software Engineer at GoodRx, checking off his number one search criteria: Passion.
