The 9 tips for finding the best job

It's always exciting to have multiple job offers to choose from, although it can be stressful to decide which position to accept. Job seekers who work in high-tension fields and employees who have a strong track record of career success often find themselves in the enviable position of being able to choose their next job from multiple opportunities.

What should you do? What's the best way to decide the next step in your career path? Here are some tips to help you in this choice.

Find the perfect position for you

If you have the right skills and experience, you can afford to be picky. You will also be able to choose a job that best suits your situation and career goals.

You don't have to accept the first job offer you receive unless you're sure it's the ideal position for the next step in your career. Take your time and make sure your next job is exactly what you're looking for.

Stay in "active sleep" mode

Stay in "continuous job search mode" in order to be ready for the opportunities that arise. Keep all your job search documents up to date, especially your LinkedIn profile.

Document your successes in your current position at least once a month and incorporate them into your resume. If your skills are in high demand, recruiters will often approach you, so be prepared to respond to the proposals they make to you.

Create a profile that's right for your job and your ideal employer

Creating a profile will help you identify attractive positions and pass on other jobs that you think wouldn't be a good fit. Consider what type of employer would be perfect for your personality and work style.

To do this, think about the elements of your current and past positions that you have enjoyed the most and write them down. Some questions you may have are:

What activities are most satisfying in your current job?

What would you like to avoid in your next job?

What do you want in terms of work-life balance?

What is your ideal corporate culture?

Which positions would be the most satisfying for you?

It may be helpful to make a list of your answers for review. The more information you have about what you want, the easier it will be to decide.

What else would you like in a future job?

You also need to consider what might be missing from your current job. For example, if you like to plan events, do you do enough event planning?

Maybe your current job doesn't offer enough opportunities for advancement, or your boss likes to micro manage and you'd like to have more freedom. The key is to ask yourself what kind of work you'd like to do.

Consider your perfect position

Conduct online career assessments to help you identify other values, interests, or personality traits that you might want to tap into your ideal job.

You can also seek help from an outplacement coach if you're struggling to identify key aspects of your ideal career. If you have a dream business you'd like to work for, this may be the time to  connect with them.

Decide if you want a higher salary

Salary increases should be consistent with an honest assessment of your knowledge, skills and abilities. Compare yours to others in the field you are looking for.

In some cases, a competing offer or job change may be the only way to get a substantial pay raise. Be careful not to give your current employer an ultimatum if you are not ready to change jobs. You don't want to lose the job you have until you're ready to move on.

Help recruiters find you

Consider contacting a headhunter to help you find your ideal job, but make sure you don't let them redefine your goals to meet the job they're promoting. Develop a complete LinkedIn profile, keep it up to date, and your next job might find you before you look for it.

Tap on your relationships

Contact people you know for information, advice, and suggestions about jobs. Share your profile for an ideal job and ask them to recommend positions in their industry.

Companies sometimes pay employees a bonus for candidate referrals, and the recommendations of current staff are usually carefully considered in all circumstances.

Decide which position to accept

It can be harder to make a decision when you have multiple offers to choose from. Don't accept a job offer right away. Take the time to evaluate each offer and carefully compare the benefits offered by the company. It's not all about money: the benefits you're offered are also important, and some benefits can be negotiated in a job posting.

Take the time to carefully consider all your options. Focus on the future and get ready to start your new job.

Article inspired by an article by Alison Doyle for The Balance Careers.