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How to Decide Between Two Job Offers
Score both offers on manager quality, learning rate, work style fit, exit options and total package — then weight manager and fit highest, because they drive whether you stay.
Two good offers is a real decision, and the obvious criteria are usually the least predictive.
Score both offers out of five
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Manager and how they work | ×3 |
| Learning rate in the first year | ×3 |
| Fit with how you work best | ×2 |
| Exit options in two years | ×2 |
| Total package | ×2 |
| Commute and flexibility | ×1 |
Asking for time
'Thank you — I'm genuinely keen. Could I come back to you by Thursday? I want to make a decision I can fully commit to.' Reasonable employers say yes.
The fit question people skip
How you work — autonomy, structure, pace, feedback style — predicts satisfaction better than the job title does. Know your pattern before you choose.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I use one offer to negotiate the other?
- You can, once, factually and without bluffing. Say what you have and ask whether there is room.
Fix the right thing first
The Career Health Check reads your resume, your work style and your goals together, then tells you which of them is actually holding you back — with a prioritised plan. Four minutes, free, no account needed.
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Last reviewed 2026-06-01 by the Thrivn team.