help me decide
April 16, 2011 9:04 PM Subscribe
I got 2 job offers - yay! But now I need help on deciding which one is the right career move for me.
I have 5 years of experience and I'm really looking to investing on my own human capital in my next job. I think company 1 will get me into a manager position (which I lack) and strengthen my current skills (product management, define systems / processes, operations). At company 2, it'll make me more well-rounded with areas such as sales / marketing as well as learn to be more focus on results like sales or web metrics (rather than establishing processes, which is what I have now).
As far as I want to do later in my life, I don't really have any idea yet. Getting to a level similar to director of product management seems interesting but at this point, I'm still not sure yet. I don't care too much about industries or areas.
More about the companies:
Company 1 - The job seems more technical and more project management related, although I would work closely with marketing team as well. They are in a niche market, mostly B2B. I have experience with some of the growth pains they're currently struggling with, so that would allow me to come in more as an expert and be in a good position for promotion in the next 2 years. The people seem a bit more reactive to their work due to high growth they're experiencing but they recognize the issue and trying to solve for it.
Company 2 - The position is working more with the marketing and product team, although I would interact with development team as well. I lack expertise in sales / marketing so a lot of potentials to learn and make myself more well-rounded. Promotions to the next level may be hard, since there is a lot I have to learn and it may be harder to "shine." I do get more of the MBA, professional vibe from them than the 1st office but I was very impressed by how well organized and professional (but still fun) the company is managed. The company is well-established company from the 90s dot com boom.
Both companies have the criteria I was looking for when I started my job hunt so I know I’m really lucky to have a choice in this matter. Both companies are small to med-sized (~300 employees), stable & been in existence for 5+ years, high growth potential for the company/industry, the people seems great, both offices have relaxed & casual dress code, and both have an appreciative culture towards their employees. Both have met my salary range, the base salary and total compensation for both is almost identical.
I have 5 years of experience and I'm really looking to investing on my own human capital in my next job. I think company 1 will get me into a manager position (which I lack) and strengthen my current skills (product management, define systems / processes, operations). At company 2, it'll make me more well-rounded with areas such as sales / marketing as well as learn to be more focus on results like sales or web metrics (rather than establishing processes, which is what I have now).
As far as I want to do later in my life, I don't really have any idea yet. Getting to a level similar to director of product management seems interesting but at this point, I'm still not sure yet. I don't care too much about industries or areas.
More about the companies:
Company 1 - The job seems more technical and more project management related, although I would work closely with marketing team as well. They are in a niche market, mostly B2B. I have experience with some of the growth pains they're currently struggling with, so that would allow me to come in more as an expert and be in a good position for promotion in the next 2 years. The people seem a bit more reactive to their work due to high growth they're experiencing but they recognize the issue and trying to solve for it.
Company 2 - The position is working more with the marketing and product team, although I would interact with development team as well. I lack expertise in sales / marketing so a lot of potentials to learn and make myself more well-rounded. Promotions to the next level may be hard, since there is a lot I have to learn and it may be harder to "shine." I do get more of the MBA, professional vibe from them than the 1st office but I was very impressed by how well organized and professional (but still fun) the company is managed. The company is well-established company from the 90s dot com boom.
Both companies have the criteria I was looking for when I started my job hunt so I know I’m really lucky to have a choice in this matter. Both companies are small to med-sized (~300 employees), stable & been in existence for 5+ years, high growth potential for the company/industry, the people seems great, both offices have relaxed & casual dress code, and both have an appreciative culture towards their employees. Both have met my salary range, the base salary and total compensation for both is almost identical.
Best answer: The only definitive way to weigh the two offers is in light of what's important to you. Much of that depends on what you ultimately want to do with your life and/or career, as each company appears to offer a different potential path. If you google "career anchors" you'll come up with some avenues for determining what needs or values are most prominent for you career-wise.
posted by DrGail at 9:03 AM on April 17, 2011
posted by DrGail at 9:03 AM on April 17, 2011
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Some other things you may want to consider:
1. What's their stock growth trajectory? (hard to evaluate)
2. Which one has the better commute?
3. Which one has execs that you feel you can trust? Shady execs mean shady everything.
4. Drive by at 6pm/7pm on Friday. Which parking lot has more cars as a percent? Which one has more dedicated employees? (or... alternatively... which one is more of a slave driver?)
5. Which one has better medical plans/sick day/vacation? This can varies incredibly. One company you've all heard of has 0 sick days officially - they come out of vacation days. One company you've all heard of has 0 vacation days officially - but they have 3 pre-defined weeks off (plus whatever you and your manager works out.) One company you've all heard of has autism medical benefits. Dig/probe into this.
6. Which one would you rather put on your resume, when it's time to leave?
posted by veryblue1 at 9:23 PM on April 16, 2011 [1 favorite]