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Your whirlwind interviewing has recently spawned multiple job offers and you find yourself asking, "What do I do now?" The first thing to understand is that you are in an enviable position. Most people would crawl over hot coals to find themselves in your dilemma. With that in mind, we've created a frighteningly methodical Job Offer Checklist to aid you in the decision process and ultimately, choosing the job that is right for you.

Make a pros and cons list.
You know how it's done, two columns side-by-side. When you have everything down on paper, it is much easier to review all the elements (see below for a list of considerations).

Talk it over with a respected colleague/mentor.
It's valuable to discuss your options with someone who is in the same industry and can understand the potential of each opportunity. Also, this person has your best interests at heart and will be able to objectively make recommendations and offer advice.

Don't get stuck on gossip.
The old saying still goes, "You can't believe everything you hear." For every negative remark, there is a stellar counter-remark. Take it into consideration, but don't' base decisions on it.

Listen to your intuition.
Sometimes the best advice comes from deep in your gut. If you have the feeling that an opportunity is just not right, listen to it. Try to identify where the negativity is stemming from and question whether or not it can be changed. If it's the salary that bothers you, try to re-negotiate. If it's the manager that bothers you, ask yourself if you really want to work with that person every day?

Weighing your Offers
Let's get down to brass tax. There are several elements to consider when weighing one job opportunity over another. Below is a list of considerations that top our list:

(Note: This is not a bible. All the elements below are worthy of consideration, but ultimately, you need to decide how important they are to you.)

Office environment/culture
Will you have your own office or are you sharing a desk with Cousin It? Is the space conducive to a positive working environment? Can you relax?

People/team chemistry
Do the people in the company seem like people you could hang out with? Do they seem interested in you and give you a warm and fuzzy feeling?

Manager's background/compatibility
Does this person have a respectable background and seem knowledgeable of the industry and company? Is this someone you would like to learn from?

Compensation
Can you support yourself on the salary? Is there a recognition and bonus incentive program? Do they offer stock options or a profit sharing plan?

Professional gains/growth opportunities
Is there room to grow and a set promotional track in place? Will you learn new skills and be exposed to new and exciting challenges?

Benefits Package
Do they offer a competitive insurance and benefits package that is right for you? Does the company reimburse or share costs for travel and/or parking? Are there any unique perks (i.e. Flextime, Birthday's off or Summer Fridays)?

Location/Travel
Is the office easily accessible by car/public transportation or involve a long commute time? Will there be extensive travel and overnight trips?

Work/life Balance
What are the typical work hours and will you have to work weekends? Is the company tolerant of family commitments?

Belief in Company/Industry Reputation
Do you believe in the company's product and/or business model? Is the company a solid industry player and will they be around in 2/5/10 years? Do you feel comfortable with the company's management team?

Company's Standing (pre/post IPO)
If a start-up opportunity or stock options are important to you, where does the company stand with funding? Who is investing and what stage is the company in?

Non-Critical Considerations
On the flip side, we've included a list of considerations we view as "non-critical". We are not saying the items below are unimportant, however we don't believe they should make or break an offer. Again, ask yourself how important they are to you.

Start Date
Something as easily negotiable as a start date shouldn't affect your decision to take a job. If you need to push back your start date, discuss this with the HR Manager before making any rash decisions.

Job Title
Because titles are so varied these days, it is becoming less of a consideration for most people. Weigh in the quality of projects and compensation package before crossing the opportunity off your list.

Physical Office Space
You may be used to an office with a door plaque, but in this day and age, it's not the best measure of success. Can you get used to the cubed environment and cathedral ceilings? Give yourself a week and you won't notice the difference.

Comfort Level
So, the job may be a bit out of your normal scope or maybe you'll be working alone rather than with a team, but how will you ever grow without taking chances? Just do it!

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