5 things to ask before making the leap!

One of the greatest privileges of working in recruiting is coming into strangers’ lives at moments of great transition. As a recruiter in that moment, I get to be a confidante, life coach, financial advisor, and ally all at once - it’s a partnership not found in most working relationships.

There are so many factors to consider, and much of the time, I watch candidates get lost in minutiae like fancy perks, prestigious titles, or the name brand of a potential employer. Most of us go into an interview with an intent to please – we want the job, or we wouldn’t have shown up, right? We often spend so much time trying to impress our interviewer and showcase our talents that we forget we too have a very crucial decision to make.

When you see that offer letter come across your inbox, take the moment to celebrate. It’s yours, you’ve earned it, and you should be proud. But before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you’re making the decision for the right reasons. Here are a few questions that can help.

#1 – Let’s Just Get $ Out of the Way

Is the compensation package offered adequate to (a) help me continue to meet my financial goals and obligations AND (b) make me feel like a valued employee of this company, appropriately compensated for what I bring to the table?

Make sure you’re looking at the bigger picture, and not just the dollar sign, when it comes to the offer.

Compensation is certainly not the only way a company expresses the value it puts upon its employees, but it is a factor. (A) is relatively easy to answer, but think about (B) for a moment. What do you believe your value is, and what is that based upon? At the given salary, are you going to feel like the work you put in is fairly compensated? Are you going to be motivated to give your best each and every day, and go the extra mile? If not – even if the compensation is an increase from your present salary – it’s probably worth having a conversation to align perceptions of what the value of this role should be, and why.

#2 – Logic check

Remember what the factors are that drove your initial job search, whether it’s a lack of growth opportunities or a boss you can’t stand. Ensure that over the course of the interview process, you’ve gotten enough information to make sure this position, to the best of your knowledge, is not going to have the same pitfalls you’re escaping in your current role.

If there are questions you forgot to ask – don’t be afraid to ask for a follow-up conversation, even if you have the offer in hand. At that point – you’re in the driver’s seat. Get the information you need to make an educated, logical decision.

#3 - Grass Isn’t Always Greener

If you’re not running from a job you absolutely detest (and I’ve been there, so if you are, kudos on simply “getting out”), there are things that make you smile in your current job. Maybe it’s awesome co-workers, or exposure to new things and learning opportunities. Whatever it is – appreciate these things. They aren’t less valuable because you already have them.

No company is perfect – if you’re gaining in some areas, you may well be losing in others. Make sure you do your best to understand where those areas are, or where they might be. Make peace with the fact that you’re going to be giving up things that you currently love about your job – and make sure that where you’re headed is worth it.

#4 – Where is this headed

Most of us aspire to building long-term relationships with an organization and growing within a company. It’s the number one response to my question of “what is it that you’re looking for in considering a change?”

As you interview, make sure you discuss the growth path – both yours and your potential employer’s. Where are they headed? What do the financials look like? What is the long-term vision of this organization, and what is the track-record so far of aligning with that vision? What are the challenges or obstacles to this organization’s long term success? Don’t be afraid to ask those questions – it’s not rude or presumptuous, and it shows a long-term interest, which most interviewers look for and appreciate.

Once you have the big picture, make sure you know where you fit into it. You might be signing on as an Executive Assistant today, but if your dream is in marketing – ask how you can get there, or what this roles’ evolution might be.

#5 – Did you peak behind the curtain?

If you spent the entire interview in a conference room with one person, how much do you really know about the company? Do people seem to be happy to be in the office? Can you hear a pin drop, or are you shouting over the person next to you? Do people eat lunch together in the break room, or is it an “eat at your desk in silence” sort of environment?

These may not be important questions depending on what you care about in evaluating an offer, but I frequently from my applicants that “culture” is a big piece of their decision making process. If you don’t get to see it in action – how do you know? Are you really going to take my word that we offer a great place to work, and trust that your perception will be the same as mine?

If you know an interview has gone well, or you’re expecting to be made an offer, don’t be afraid to ask if you can have a tour, or potentially meet with some of the people who would be your co-workers. Sometimes this can’t be achieved same day, so you might have to be flexible in coming back to have a follow-up meeting. But don’t be shy in asking to meet the people and see the office that will make up your environment 8 hours/day 5 days/week. It’s your absolute right!

There is no end to the questions that you’ll want to ask when you interview. The most important thing to remember is that you are an active participant in the process, and you’ll want to make sure you’ve considered all the truly important factors before making a decision. As fun as it is to say “yes” – make sure you know why you’re saying it!

AND if you’re considering making a job change in 2016, make sure you’re checking out what we have to offer here at xome! (Couldn’t help myself): https://jobs.jobvite.com/xome/jobs