Offers and pay · 5 min read
How do I compare two job offers?
Put both offers in one table: total pay, the work itself, the manager, growth, flexibility and commute. Then weight what matters to you.
The short answer
Put both offers side by side in one table. Compare total pay (base, bonus, pension or retirement match, benefits), the work you'd do most days, your manager, how you'd grow, flexibility, and commute time and cost. Give each row a weight for how much it matters to you, then score both offers. The higher-paying offer often wins, but not always. If one job's daily work clearly appeals more, that tends to matter more after the first few months.
On this page 4 sections
The comparison table
| Factor | Weight (1-3) | Offer A | Offer B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total pay and benefits | |||
| The work most days | |||
| Manager and team | |||
| Learning and progression | |||
| Flexibility and commute | |||
| Stability of the company |
Questions to ask before deciding
- Can I speak to someone currently in the team?
- What happened to the last person in this role?
- How are pay reviews and promotions decided?
- How many days a week in the office?
Tell the other employer well
When you decline, do it quickly, by phone or a short email, and thank them. You may want to work with them later.
OffLadder CV, our free Chrome extension, shows which of a post's must-haves your CV already shows and rewrites it for that job, checking every change against the CV you gave it.
Questions people ask
- Can I use one offer to negotiate the other?
- Yes, honestly and politely: 'I have another offer at £X. I'd prefer to join you; is there any flexibility?' Never invent an offer.
- How long can I take to decide?
- Usually a few days to a week. Ask for a specific deadline and keep both employers informed.
- What matters most besides pay?
- The daily work and your manager, for most people. Ask to meet the team or speak to someone in the role before deciding.
- How do I value a pension or 401(k) match?
- Treat the employer's contribution as part of pay. A 5% match on £40,000 is £2,000 a year.
- What if I can't decide?
- Imagine telling a friend you accepted each one. Notice which announcement feels better, then check the table still supports it.
Exercises are practice, not evidence of career fit or a qualification. How to read our guides and report a correction.
How this page is written
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