Whether you have recently lost your job or you are just looking to build a different career path for yourself, when you go out and hunt for a job, you want to make sure you accept the job that is right for you. However, it can be difficult to tell when a job is right for you, as you won’t always know until you start working there and experience it for yourself. Fortunately, there are many things that you can think about and questions that you can ask yourself to help support your decision in choosing the right job, especially if you have to pick between more than one. To help you on your journey, here are some top things to consider to know if a job is right for you.
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Is the compensation fair?
While it might not all be about the money for you, it is important to consider what compensation the job is offering you. You must be able to pay for the roof over your head, the food on your plate, and all the outgoings that you have. The last thing you want to do is accept a job that underpays you, and you are left stressed and in debt each month. You also want to go a step beyond this and make sure that the job is paying you fairly for the work that you will be undertaking, as well as offering room for growth if your role is going to grow.
Is the job description fair and up-to-date?
In some cases, people find that they apply for a job with specific roles, but when they get there, they end up working in a different role. You must speak to the people who are offering you the job, and ask lots of questions about the role, the responsibilities, the possibility of growth, and what your average day looks like. You might also be able to shadow someone on the job to see for yourself. You want to make sure you know exactly what you are signing up for.
Does it feel right to you?
What kind of feeling do you get when you think about the job? How did you feel when you were in the office for your interview and surrounded by some of the people who you might be working with? Gut feelings should be listened to, so consider how the whole experience made you feel. It is normal to feel scared and nervous, but beyond that, did you feel like it might be a good fit for you? Do you feel motivated and excited about the opportunity? The last thing you want to do is take a job when you don’t feel deep inside that it is right for you.
Is there career progression and growth?
If you are interested in growing up a ladder in the workplace, then you want to make sure that the job you are thinking of accepting has the progression and growth that you want. It would be great if you could accept the job, and build your way up in-house, rather than having to go through the job-hunting process all over again in a year or two when you are ready for more. This is something you can ask the people who interview you. It is a great way to come across as eager to work with them and stay with them but also will ensure that you secure a good future for yourself.
Do you have the right skills, and if not, can you obtain them?
Skills are important for any job, and you want to make sure that you have the right skills for the job that you are taking. Were you 100% honest with the people that interviewed you and in your application? You will be expected to show them and hit the ground running when you start. It might also be a job that you need to undertake some additional credentials and qualifications for. You want to ensure that you are willing to learn, and put in the time, effort, and money to learn. There are many ways you can do this, including studying topics such as psychology online.
What is the culture like?
Before you accept any job, you should spend some time at the workplace to see what the culture is like. If you can’t, then you should pay close attention to the people and your surroundings when you go for a job interview. Talk to anyone that you can, in the reception, in the corridors, and even on your breaks if you are there for a day. This is a great way to see what the people you might be working with are truly like. You should also ask the interviewer questions about the people, culture, communication, and more. This will help you to better understand how you will work with others, what they expect of you in the workplace, how you will be supported, how they handle mistakes, how they push you for growth, how they measure success, how they communicate, how they work through difficult situations and conflict, what the hierarchy is, and much more. This information can make or break your decision.
How is the business currently performing?
For your own growth and job security, it is important to consider how the business is currently performing. You can ask in your interview and see what they tell you about the company, so you should prepare several questions about the business. There is also a lot of information readily available online that you can research beforehand to see how well their business is performing, if there are any known issues, and more. The last thing you want to do is accept a job in a business that is not going to last more than a couple of years.
There are many factors when it comes to accepting the right job. Consider these important questions in depth to help you find something that suits you best.
