Wouldn't that be wonderful? Chances are, however, that unless you are an engineer or a business major from one of the most prestigious schools who was student body president, graduated Phi Beta Kappa, and worked on internships every summer, that won't be the case. What is more realistic is that you will be offered at least two jobs, and you will have to make a decision between them.
Suddenly, you're scared to death. What if you make the wrong decision? What if you pick the wrong job? How can you tell which company is truly the best place to work?
If you share any of these feelings, rest assured - you're in good company. Most recent graduates find the decision-making process somewhat difficult. Once again, they're suddenly afraid they may make the wrong choice. What they don't realize is that no choice is irreversible. If a company offers you a job today and you refuse it - but you deal with them in a professional manner - chances are they might be interested in you two years down the road. Be that as it may, it is obviously a good idea to choose as wisely as possible.
The best method for doing this consists of two elements: you need to identify factors that are important to you, and you need to prioritize them. The most important factors, originally introduced by personnel specialist James B. Morris (and since refined and adapted by the authors of this book) follow:
1. Location.
Is the company located in an area where you want to live and work? Will the cultural, educational, and social opportunities meet your needs? Where do they have other branches, divisions, or operations? Will you have to move if you get promoted? Is that location agreeable?
2. Location for Spouse's Career.
Can your spouse get a job in this geographic area? Is this a priority?
3. Travel
How much of your time will be spent traveling, whether it's local, national, or international? How do you feel about this?
4. Salary
How much money will you be paid on a yearly basis? When will you be evaluated for an increase? What kind of increase can you expect?
5. Benefits
What does the complete compensation package include? How many days of vacation? What types of insurance coverage do they offer?
6. Training Programs
Do you want to participate in a rotation al training program that provides broad exposure? Will you be able to concentrate on specific training in one area? Which avenue do you prefer?
7. Learning Potential
What is the extent and rate at which your understanding of the job and company will develop? How long can you remain in the job without feeling you've outgrown it?
8. Significant Responsibility
When can you have impact on the way your division or department is being run? Will you have high visibility right away? Is that something you want?
9. Variety of Work
Will the job encompass a variety of un related tasks, or will you be responsible for one primary function? How important is diversity to you?
10. Job Status
How is your job viewed in the hierarchy of the organization? Will it allow you to get the recognition you require?
11. Independence.
Will the job allow you the freedom to plan and organize your time? Is that important to you?
12. Opportunity for Creativity
Will you be able to use your imagination in this position? Can you develop a new way of doing things in your department?
13. Skill Transferability
Are the skills you will develop broad enough to be transferable to other fields? What fields? Do they appeal to you?
14. People Management Opportunity
Will you supervise others? How many people? At what level are they? Is supervision something you like doing?
15. Asset Management Opportunity
Will you be controlling equipment or the flow of cash? Do you want this responsibility?
16. Advancement.
Is advancement locked into a rigid system? What jobs can you move into? Can you transfer into other departments? Will an advanced degree be necessary for promotion?
17. Image of Company.
Does the reputation of the organization meet your personal and professional needs? Do they produce a product or service you feel good about? Are they an industry leader? Do you care?
18. Exposure to Outstanding Professionals.
Will you receive exposure to the best minds in your field, or will you be the “big fish in a small pond?” Which do you prefer?
19. Quality of Management
Does the company promote and maintain a high quality of managerial talent? Do you prefer working under a strong management team? Do you need a mentor?
20. Industry.
Is the industry oriented towards growth or stability? How do its salary levels compare to other industries? What are its prospects for the future?
Once you've read the definitions of these 20 factors, go down the list and assign each factor a weight, from one to five. If a factor is not important to you, assign it a ‘1’. If it is very important to you, assign it a ‘5’, If it is moderately important, assign it a ‘3’, and so on.
Under the columns labeled ''Company Name" write in the names and job titles of the offers you're considering. Go down the list once more and decide what company offers more of the factors you consider important. If you're deciding from among three companies, assign a ranking between one and three. If you're deciding between two companies, assign a ranking of one or two. The company where the job factors are most to your liking receives the highest number. Then multiply the weight for each factor by the number assigned to each factor.
Once you've completed this exercise, your choice may be clearer. If your decision surprises you, review your rankings or review the weights you assigned different factors. K you are still surprised, talk to people who can be objective. Many times, all we need to do is express our fears or hesitations aloud, and they become more manageable. An "objective" support group usually does not include parents, fellow students, or your spouse. They are too involved in your life. It might include a placement counselor, professor, friends outside school, and professional acquaintances whose opinions you respect.
Finally, make your decision. Think positively. Rest assured you will make the best decision you are capable of making at that time. And remember that no career decision is irreversible.
