I have recently been offered two positions which are almost similar in duties. They’re both appealing to me and I don’t know which one to choose. I would really appreciate your advice. Before you rush to accept a position, take the time to consider it fully. Here are some guidelines to help you determine whether a job is a good fit for you:

• Consider the job description. This may be the single most important factor in assessing an offer from a potential employer. Will you enjoy the day-to-day duties of the position? Will you be challenged? Is the level of responsibility appropriate considering your experience? If the answer to any of these questions is no, accepting the position might make you miserable.
• Take career goals into account. Consider whether the position fits into your long-term career plan. Are you interested in the field or the company’s product? Will this job provide the potential for advancement in the area you are pursuing?
• Evaluate the company. Two key issues to consider are the firm’s financial health and stability, which will help you to assess whether your prospective employer is positioned to survive long-term.
• Consider company culture. How well do the firm’s corporate values fit with your own? A business that expects 12-hour days when you only want to work eight is probably not a good fit for you. Also consider the work style of your future boss and co-workers try to assess whether or not there could be personality conflicts down the road.
• Review the compensation package. Take a look at the benefits package. How attractive or generous are the perks (stock options, tuition reimbursement, holidays, etc.)? If you’re considering two offers, these additional benefits could be the deciding factor.
Careful consideration of the issues discussed above will help you reach an informed decision to accept, negotiate or reject the offer. If, after evaluating each of these points, you are still unsure, listen to your gut instinct. Maybe there is something about the corporate culture that makes you uncomfortable — if so, it’s probably wise to trust your instincts and decline. Accepting a new position is a big step and you want to go into the arrangement knowing all the facts. With a thoughtful analysis of the pros and cons you’ll be prepared to make the best decision for your career. Phil Sheridan is Managing Director of Robert Half. Founded in 1948, Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialised recruiting firm providing placement services for accounting, finance and office support. There are more than 360 Robert Half locations in North and South America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. For more information about Robert Half please visit www.roberthalf.co.uk