According to Forbes, in our desperation for a new position, many of us gleefully ignore red flags that our potential employers may be waving in our faces. The thought of catching up on bills, not having to borrow money from Mom and Dad, and enjoying basic financial freedoms all cloud our judgment on many occasions. However, though it can be scary to say no to a prospective position, in many cases, it will be the best decision you will make for your career, and, in many cases, your health.
First, read through the Employee Handbook, as it offers insight into the very nature of the company you will be working for. This will demonstrate whether the company is result-driven or rule-driven, or whether it falls somewhere in between.
Next, be sure to ask, “What is a typical workday like?” and “How do you communicate after hours and on weekends?”
It is wise to understand what is expected of you before taking a new position. Many bosses have no issue calling their employees on nights and weekends, or sending 75 emails between Friday at 5:00 p.m. and Monday morning at 9:00 a.m.—and expecting answers. If you value your personal time, as most individuals do, without interruptions from the office, it is worth exploring these issues before you find yourself unable to escape work.
Ask how you will meet your new colleagues and work team.
When you are joining a new company as part of your long-term career goals, it is important to ask “How will I meet the team?” It is entirely reasonable to make such a request, and you should hesitate to accept the position if the company refrains from allowing you to meet your new team members. A simple meeting in the conference room over coffee and donuts would suffice.
Understand the short-term and long-term priorities of the position.
By the time you have accepted a job offer, you should be able to show your employer your goals for the next thirty days, as well as the next three months. This also ensures that you and your employer have a clear understanding of what is expected of you when you hit the ground running in your new position.
Make sure all the details are covered.
Get everything in writing about your position—whether it is in an offer letter or a contract. You should have your salary, bonus eligibility, benefits, and other significant terms on paper before you begin.
Salary.com adds that it is also important to consider the “intangibles” of the job. For example, what is the office vibe like? Is it laid back, or is it pretty strict? Think about which you prefer as you approach your new position. Similarly, what is the office Internet policy? Will you get in trouble for taking a mental break and checking out the latest celebrity drama or sports scores?
Also, make sure you have room to grow professionally. Will your skillset be enhanced? Will you be eligible for promotions? You do not want to take a job only to realize later that it is a stagnant position.
For some, working in a group environment is great and enhances creativity. For others, it is stifling and distracting. Find out what your office environment is like—will you have a private work area, or will you work in a group setting?
Ultimately, you have to trust your gut. You will not know what working somewhere is like until you actually get there. However, if you’ve done your share of research, you can rest assured that you’ve taken all the possible steps to make sure this is the right move for you.
- See Five Steps to Evaluate a Job Offer before Accepting for more information.
Source: Forbes
Photo credit: entrepreneur.com
