Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Career Advice - Don't Take a Blind Leap Into a New Job

You are out of work. Or if you are stuck in a dead end job, who want desperately to change the course of his career. You've been looking for a new job for what seems ages. Finally, the phone rings. You have an offer. Every fiber of his being says, "Here. A bird in hand is worth two in the bush."

But wait. If you take a leap in the dark at the first opportunity comes? What is really known about the potential employer? The offer is a step towards your career success or is it a new hole?

Of course the answer depends largely on your financial situation ... how badly you need / want a new job. But if you have any wiggle room at all, it's a good idea to take the time to discover the possible information about the prospective employer before taking the leap.

Start with a trip to the library. Dig in as much information as possible about the organization. Gather information and opinions from your friends. Ask questions of people working in industry and business.

Most important: Your research should include questions from those who are interviewing you. Reluctance to do this is understandable, but it shows the confidence to ask questions and knowledge, and a genuine interest in the position. Do not ask questions or ask stupid questions shouts "laziness, lack of interest, lack of qualifications or despair."

Asking questions is not only vital information, it provides an opportunity to showcase their talents.

Here is a list of questions that turn the facts on the potential employer and a "feel" for the environment in which it operates.

1. They are business and industry involved in the growing or stagnating?
2. What is the history of the company?
3. What is the long-term vision for the company and the opportunity being discussed?
4. In what range of the company compared to its competitors?
5. Why is this position open? How long has been opened? What is the rate of movement of people at work?
6. Is there a written description of the position?
7. Who can report? Where is the position in the organization?
8. How is expected to contribute to business success?
9. How can their performance be evaluated? What are the benchmarks for success?
10. Are there opportunities for training to improve their performance? What are the promotional opportunities?

Avoid being too aggressive with your questioning. You are not running a third level of the grid. Do not ask questions like:

1. When will I be promoted?
2. How to get vacation time? Sick leave?
3. When will you make your final decision about hiring me?

Such questions cry out: "What's in it for me?" That's a no-no.

Let the employer submit the issue of pay, benefits and career rewards. If you have to ask the question, wait until you are satisfied at all other points and are sure you want to work and the employer wants you.

The worst thing is not to ask questions.

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