Accepting a new job offer can be exhilarating; you’ve put yourself out there, gone for an interview, waited to hear back and you finally get the good news.
While it is all very exciting, before accepting any new job, you need to ask yourself a few questions about the new workplace and most importantly your new employer or manager. Jumping ship without knowing what you’re getting yourself into can land you in an uncomfortable situation.
Consider the following before making the big leap:
Personality
The ability to be yourself is important whether you realise it or not. Does the workplace allow for you to thrive and flourish, not just as an employee but as an individual? One of the most relevant aspects of job satisfaction is feeling like you are valued and an important member of your team. If you accept a position in a company that is not accepting of you, you are not likely to be satisfied long-term.
Employee benefits
Many employees have a skill for making job applicants feel like they are extremely lucky to be given the position with the company. While it might be a great career opportunity, companies don’t hire people just to give them a great opportunity, they hire because they are short-staffed, they are losing a team member, or there is a skill-set lacking in their current team. In other words, the business needs you. Don’t get caught up in thinking the business is doing you a favour and you are extremely lucky, without finding out what benefits you will get for joining the team and sharing your skills.
Job role
Understanding your job role and what is required of you is essential. Ask plenty of questions in your interview and save any documentation such as the advertisement for the position that indicates what is required of you. Ask for a formal job description, and research how performing the role corresponds to what you will be paid and what minimum wages for this kind of role include. Ask in your interview if there are any additional jobs you will have to perform and if so, can these be given to you in writing in an amended job description.
Opportunity for growth
Being satisfied with a job that doesn’t offer opportunities for professional development or for growth is desirable for many applicants. However, if this is not for you and you are looking for a career with pathways for growth, you should voice this in your resume and in your interview. Ask the interviewee what the structure of the business is and if there are opportunities for professional development and advanced training, as well as opportunities to advance in terms of wage and job role.
Management style
Before accepting any kind of job, do your research on the company. Nowadays, it is naive not to investigate online and see what kind of company you are entering into. Research business reviews on Facebook and look up the business on LinkedIn. When in your interview, don’t be too shy to ask what the employee or manager’s management and leadership styles are. In a structured and professional environment, the interviewee should be able to answer this question for you. Asking questions of this nature also show that you are assertive and are thinking long-term about whether this position is the right fit for you, not just trying to sell yourself to the business, allowing you to come across as an asset.
