Dear Career Advisor:

After sitting home for more than a year, my job search has finally yielded fruit. I now have two job offers. My challenge is how to decide which of them is right for me. One is in a rural area and the other in the city. Neither is directly related to my academic discipline but both offer reasonable salaries. I have to make a decision quickly. Please help.

Yours truly,

Yours truly,

Matthew L

Dear Matthew:

Congratulations! You must have done very well in both interviews. Patience has paid off.

You have taken the right approach of weighing your options. To help you make a decision, here are some factors for your consideration.

Your Priorities

What opportunities for growth will each job provide? What types of professionals will you get to work with? What skills will be enhanced and what new skills are you likely to learn?

Compensation

Don’t just go for the pay; you won’t stay because of it. Compare not just the salary, but the full compensation package being offered by each (eg allowances, benefits, bonuses, commissions). If the compensation package is below industry standards you may want to exercise caution.

Personal Fit

Evaluate which will better allow you to apply your skills to provide value to your employer as well as personal satisfaction with your accomplishments. Ask yourself which will be a better fit to your interests and abilities.

Career Plan

Reflect on how each job is likely to enhance your professional and personal development and advance your career goal. What kinds of networking opportunities will you have access to? What training opportunities are provided or are likely to be available? What is the potential for upward growth within each organisation?

Quality of Life

How will each job affect your quality of life? What impact will the culture of the organisation likely have on your time? For example, will you be expected to routinely do long hours of overtime, or extensive travel hours above normal working hours? How do the job requirements align with your priorities and personal values?

Professional Opinions Count

If possible, get in touch with the career centre, alumni office, or an experienced lecturer at your university with a view to seeking feedback on the experiences of alumni who have worked for those organisations.

Location

Assuming that you are familiar with both locations, evaluate the cost of living for each area. Do not simply be lured by the glamour of city living or the relaxed pace of the rural area. Consider availability of public transportation, suitable housing, and if important to you, availability of entertainment.

Bear in mind that 1) Your first job might not be everything you ever dreamed it to be, and 2) Based on statistics, it is not likely to be your only job.

All the best.

Carolyn Marie Smith is Assistant Vice-President of Student Affairs at Northern Caribbean University in Mandeveille, Manchester. Submit your questions to her at

careeradvisor@ncu.edu.jm