2 job offers, which one?

[goldar]

Hi all, i'm a long time lurker but thought it was about time I signed up!

I'm a PM that works in engineering/construction. I don't have years and years of experience as a PM, but i'm keen to develop myself further.
I've got a bit of a dilemma, I have 2 job offers on the table, but i'm not sure which one to take. They are both large companies.

Company A is an energy company which is offering a 6 month contract as a construction site manager. This may or may not open up further opportunities with them, but who's to say. This role pays considerably more than the permanent role (umbrella), and I would make almost as much in the 6 months as I would working 12 months with company B.

Company B is an international consultancy which is offering a permanent role as a PM. I can see the potential of working with a consultancy and the experience I would gain. I would also be working in the capacity that I want. It pays reasonably well, but could be better. I believe there is also a yearly bonus offered.

How would you make a decision?

Edited by goldar on Sunday 19th June 14:03

Edited by goldar on Sunday 19th June 14:30

[Mr Pointy]

Look at the mid to long term prospects with both. It's possibly unlikley that Company A is going to offer you training or put you through courses to gain more qualifications but Company B might well do. With A you're just a body filling a position & you could be chopped after a month - which is fine if you want the contractor lifestyle but there is a reason the money is better.

Maybe ask B about career progression, if that's what you are interested in. You can always go contract in a few years time when you've got the certificates & experience.

[goldar]

I've been putting myself through courses for the past few years, so that's not really an issue. Company B being a consultancy, will more than likely give me all the training I can handle. Consultancies in general prefer their staff to be as highly qualified as possible (so they can charge them out for more).

Career progression has been discussed at the interview stage with both companies - that's pretty much the case with every job interview i've ever had. As above, it's a consultancy, so career progression is encouraged.

[goldar]

The recuiter has informed me that Company B wouldn't be able to meet my bottom line, but i'm still undecided as it could be an excellent opportunity. So do I take a big hit on pay to allow for career progression, or go for a well-paid short term contract that delays career progression, but with the 'possibility' of career progression?

Let's say I applied for a permanent position with Company A but in a different role, would I then have to go through a long interview process with the chance that I don't get it? I realise recruiters are all salesmen, and will put on whatever spin they can to get you to take the job, which is why im sceptical.

[ARHarh]

Remember you will only be on a months notice (probably) and any company will let you go as soon as they don't need you anymore. With the recession about to hit i would take the big money and go from there. Oh and don't spend it all at once

[goldar]

There is that, but that could be argued both ways. I'm far more likely to retain my job in the permanent role. The interviewers from Company B spoke quite highly of how they treated their staff through covid and generally of how the company operates. In that sense Company A worries me more, as there's the possibility that I may not be offered further work after the project is complete.