Making the Right Career Decision
Posted in Salary & Benefits
Fresh graduates, before you decide to accept what could be your first job, you might want to consider first if it is actually "acceptable". Fortunately there is a method you can use other than "inee-minee-miney-mo".
The Balance Sheet Decision Technique
The Balance Sheet Decision Technique was crafted by one of history's most brilliant minds - Benjamin Franklin. It's pretty much like our modern day "Pros vs. Cons" Method. Benjamin Franklin devised this method by taking a blank sheet of paper and drawing a line down the middle.
On the left side, he put the heading "Reasons For". And on the right side he put "Reasons Against". Under the ""Reasons For" heading Ben Franklin would proceed to list down all the positive aspects of a decision. Under the heading "Reasons Against", he would write down all the negative aspects of his decision. After everything is in black and white, the answer would eventually become obvious to him.
When to use the Balance Sheet Decision Technique
The Balance sheet decision technique is particularly useful in decision making which involves job offers. Use it to compare against your next available option. It can be, for example, another job offer or your current job. It can also be unemployment and continuing your search for other jobs that you think is best for you.
Important reminder
When listing down your pros and cons, keep in mind that you should not compare your offer against what you like or hope (another company will offer), but rather, compare it against what you what you actually have. For example, another job offer. Why? Because if you do, chances are, you might end up with just unemployment and job searching as your option. Remember, the primary goal is to land a job offer. And only until then can you start your negotiation.
If the offer is "Unacceptable"
If, per your Balance Sheet Decision Technique, the offer is really unacceptable, you can resort to communicating your side to the decision-maker. Keep the tone of your resolution positive and clear. Keep in mind that you still want to keep your options open so state your interest in working for their company. State politely and concisely why you are unable to accept their offer. Express your proposed solution and your eagerness to start immediately should they reconsider their offer.
