Shall I accept a new job offer?
The decision to accept a new job is one of those life-changing moments. Some people jump at the chance, while others hesitate and worry through the night. In order to make the right decision, you need to think carefully.
This is where a decision-making matrix fits in. The matrix is a table that weighs up your existing job and a job offer, or several job offers. A list of criteria such as salary and cost of travel can be rated on a scale of one to five (where 1=low/bad and 5=high/good). Inevitably, there is an element of subjectivity in rating criteria like job satisfaction, but the matrix will allow you to think through the process.
When you've added up all the results, the job with the highest score is the one that deserves the most serious consideration. It won't necessarily be the one you'll take, but the matrix will give you a clear overview.
Print out this page to get started.
| CRITERIA | EXISTING JOB | OFFER 1 | OFFER 2 |
| Remuneration: Salary Car Pension Bonus Other | |||
| Travel: Cost Time Hassle | |||
| Job content: Hone existing skills? Learn new skills: - interpersonal? - technical? Broaden experience? Personal satisfaction? | |||
| Domestic: Family views Effect on leisure time | |||
| Career plan: How/where does this fit in? | |||
| Career enhancement: Effect on future job prospects |
This is an edited version of Decision Making, courtesy of Portfolio International.
