How to Make a Valuable Pro-Con List

 

In a job search, there are many decisions that you will find. A list of pros and cons points is an easy way to compare your choices. A sophisticated pro-con list can clarify the right decision and illuminate the thoughts behind the decision. We present in this article how you can create advantages and disadvantages charts, and how you can make your own pro-con list to help in future decision-making. 

  

What are the upsides and downsides list?   

A list of pros and cons is a chart that helps you make a decision. You add all the positive results of a decision on the pros side of the list. On the other hand, all the adverse results are added. It enables you to visualize various aspects of a decision and potential results so that you can make a more refined choice.  

The decision-making process will be made easier by one side in many situations than the other. For example, you may draw up a pros and cons list to decide whether to request a raise.  You could be more confident to ask your manager for a raise if your side of pro is longer than that of your cons   

You can create your own pro and con list, or several online applications can help with formatting. When you create a pro and cons list, choose the format that works best for you, whether it's on paper, your phone, or your computer. 

  

How to create a list of pros and cons 

To get the best results from the pros and cons list, organize it and complete it in the following way:  

• Formatting your pros and cons chart 
• Choose a method to populate your list 
• Brainstorm, list the pros of the decision 
• Examine and list the risks or con of the decision 
• Add third-party pros and cons 

  

1. Create a pros and cons list. 

Write the decision you're considering at the top of the pros and cons list. “I am accepting a position with Parakeet Inc.” for example. Create two columns beneath that. Write "Pros" on the left. The right column should be labeled "Cons." A pros and cons list is also known as a T-chart because of its format. 

 

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2. Decide how you'll populate your list. 

Consider the process that is most convenient for you before you begin filling out your pros and cons list. Some people make a pro and a con list. Others would rather generate all of the positives or negatives at once before switching to the other side.   

Use whichever method best suits your cognitive style. You are more likely to create a balanced structure if you take the first approach, whereas the second approach may more clearly indicate your preferences because you may end up with a higher number of reasons on one side than the other. 

  

3. Make a list of the decision's advantages. 

Consider the advantages of your decision after you've completed the T-chart. Some benefits may be obvious and immediate, while others may only be discovered after careful consideration and reasoning. By asking questions, you can gain a better understanding of some of the advantages associated with each outcome, such as:  

• What are this decision's main advantages? 
• What positive outcome you don't have at the moment? 
• What can you achieve? 
• How does it help to achieve your current career objectives? 
• How do you stand in the future? 
• How does it affect your life for others? 

 

4. Review and list the risks or disadvantages of the decision 

There are reasons why this decision is not in your best interests on the other side of the pros and cons chart. Again, some are going to be obvious, like a long traffic commute. Others require you to study your career objectives. These questions can be asked to help identify some of the cons:  

• What do you give up? You give up? 
• What risks does this decision involve? 
• What are the challenges and what can you overcome? 
• How would that be an obstacle or a delay in your career goals? 

  

5. Add pros and cons from third parties 

In some cases, you may have to think about how the decision may affect others. Consider how others can feel about your decision towards the end of your list. Try to think about how your employees, managers, mentors, and family may feel or influence your decision. Write down these points of view. 

  

Example of pros and cons  

We have created a pro-con list to accept a job offer with the above ideas.   

Pros: 

• Wage growth of $10,000 
• Dream Organization 
• Gym enrollment paid for 
• Career and future potential  
• two additional weeks for holidays 
• Higher wage = house purchase 
• Prominent position  
• Accomplice enjoys the new area 
• An important experience for the resume 

  

Cons:   

• Payment for parking. 
• They come from holidays, not sick days. 
• No dream jobs 
• Requires new closet to fit clothing standard  
• Need childcare 
• Longer drive 
• Can't work with my present coach 
• Higher risk 
• Moving costs 

  

Employment decisions are multifaceted and a more informed decision can help you to understand what is positive and what is negative. A pro-construct diagram makes the components that affect your selection easily compiled and visualized. Mastering this simple tool will be helpful in many of your future workplace decisions.