The words every job seeker wants to hear: “We want you.”
You’re no exception. You’ve been on a nerve-racking job hunt.
At long last the search is over. Suddenly, you’ve got choices — several companies have said “We want to hire you.”
It’s an enviable situation, but now your real work begins.
Yes, you’re winning against your competition. But remember it’s not all about the money.
If you make the wrong choice, you’ll lose the Big Mo — momentum — invaluable for your career.
So capture the moment — create a balance sheet of questions.
The right answers will help you choose the right job for your career performance without hesitation.
To pick the right job, here are five recommendations:
1. Check out the stability of each employer.
Due diligence will reveal how secure a company is in fiscal issues. What does its financial picture look like?
But there are other questions to ask:
Is it a strong brand? How do customers rate the company? What kind of online reviews does it have?
Do people stay there? Why or why not?
On the other hand, perhaps the company isn’t doing well, but the offer might be just what you need to rock in your career. So ask yourself: “If the company is an underdog in the marketplace — in a turnaround situation — is it a good opportunity for me to shine?”
If you’re a competitive person, it just might be a great opportunity.
My preference was to look for employers who needed my help and wanted it. I loved the challenges. And many years later they are a source of great memories.
2. Research the company’s opportunity for your personal growth.
The bottom-line question: How much does the company value its human capital?
True, no job is perfect. However, some offer room for growth — to advance — opportunities to work your way up.
Does the company pay for training or further education?
Will it be an environment that will allow you to grow professionally?
Does the company tend to promote from within or does it recruit from the outside? Hint: Search the profiles of the company’s employees.
3. Evaluate how the job will affect your personal life.
How will the job affect your work/life balance?
If you have a family, how many of your kids’ little league games or ballerina performances will you miss?
Is there a lot of travel? Too much after-hours work? How would you feel about it?
4. Assess the employer’s culture.
Keep in mind that 33 percent of your day will be spent with these people.
Is the company’s culture compatible for your best interests?
Start at the beginning. Was the interviewer comfortable with whom to chat?
What is the work environment like?
Long before becoming a business-performance consultant, I held a myriad of jobs. I still remember the agitation I felt when a recruiter tried to persuade me to quit college. I also the frustration I felt when pressured to accept an offer that required me to commute 50 miles one-way. Neither culture was for me.
How do you feel about your prospective boss?
5. Pursue your career dreams.
Which offer allows you to stay on your career path?
Is it the right sector? Is it the right location? Is it compatible for your financial goals?
From the Coach’s Corner, here are related tips:
Leadership Best Practices in Negotiations – 22 Dos, Don’ts – Leaders know that no matter what you need to negotiate, there are often easy strategies to get anything you want. Even in tough negotiations, you’ll want both parties to feel positive after the negotiation is complete. Emotional needs for both of you have to be met. Here’s how.
To Enhance Your Career, How to Quit Your Job Professionally — OK, so you’re fortunate to have worked several years for the same employer. Perhaps your working conditions have worsened or you’re ready for a vertical move, and you’ve been offered a better job. Congratulations. Before you resign, however, take precautions to make sure your resignation enhances your career, not hurts it.
With a Mentor, You Won’t be Alone in Making Career Decisions — You don’t have to be alone in making career decisions. No matter what you do for a living, there’s one investment on which you can count to improve your career. Plus, it won’t cost you any money. Huh? Yes, you can get a mentor.
7 Steps to Become Great at Thinking on Your Feet — Have you ever been at a loss for words? For example, when asked a question, have you been tongue tied in a sales presentation, while speaking at an event, in negotiations, during an interview or a staff meeting? Getting tongue-tied is not a fun experience.
Career Strategies: How to Get a C-Level Job — If you’re climbing the corporate ladder and have designs on a C-level job, a noted Stanford University professor has some excellent advice.
“Don’t let negativity affect your vision. A lot of people have said harsh things, but I don’t let it affect me. If anything it gives me more enthusiasm and pushes me to do better in my career so I can prove them wrong.”
-Nicole Polizzi
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