Healthcare professionals interested in making a job change this year are in luck! As we reported in our 2016 Hiring Outlook, the current state of the job market has resulted in a major shift; where employers once held most of the advantage, job seekers now have the ability to be more selective with the offers they take and the organizations they choose to work for. This is especially true within the healthcare industry where the demand for health services greatly outweighs the supply of professionals who are qualified to provide that care.

“Due to these factors, we’re seeing many healthcare facilities competing with each other for talent,” explains Amanda Bleakney, Senior Managing Director of The Execu|Search Group’s Health Services division. “As a result, many of our top candidates are receiving multiple offers and have to make a difficult decision. To help our candidates determine which opportunity is the right fit for their needs, we regularly stress that there are a variety of different factors to consider that go beyond compensation.”

With the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reporting in their latest projection that healthcare is the fastest growing sector and that there will be 5.1 million jobs to fill by 2024, multiple job offers are going to become a reality for an increasing number of healthcare professionals. Make the right decision by considering:

Future opportunities for growth: As a professional working in the ever-evolving healthcare industry, it’s important to determine which opportunity offers the most growth potential. “Whether you specialize in Health IT or Acute Care, one of your top priorities should be gaining new skills and experience,” advises Amanda.   “Focus on the big picture and think about which position will enhance your skillset and marketability for future opportunities. You never want to run the risk of becoming complacent in a sector that is constantly changing.” Rather than focusing on compensation, look out for the offer that gives you more opportunities to build your skills, gain new responsibilities, and advance within the organization. For example, your title, number of direct reports, and other managerial responsibilities can make all the difference when you are ready to look for a job later down the line.

The organization’s culture: If you are looking to thrive in your next role, it’s important to ensure the organization’s culture and environment are the right fit for you. “Company culture encompasses factors such as the organization’s values, how formal or laidback the environment is, and the way colleagues interact with each other, to name a few,” notes Amanda. “Your ability to be successful in a role can be directly tied to how happy you are with the organization. As a result, it’s important to determine your priorities and consider the qualities you desire in an employer when weighing multiple job offers.” To ensure your needs will be met and that you can work well with a particular employer, consider asking yourself the following questions:

• Would I work well with the person that I will be reporting to?
• Do I like the dynamics of the team I would be joining?
• Is a flexible schedule important to me?
• Do my values align with the organization’s overall goals?
• How would I specifically make an impact?

The entire package: When juggling multiple offers, try to avoid judging each job by their individual salaries. “While compensation can definitely be important, you shouldn’t default to it as the sole deciding factor,” advises Amanda. “Rather than focusing just on the number of each offer, consider the entire package. For instance, benefits, bonuses, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, and vacation policy are all factors that can make up for a lower salary.”