How do I know if a job will match what's important to me - whether to apply, whether to accept, and how to optimise my relationships from the start?
First, brainstorm your top five requirements for your next role. Can be anything: minimum salary, responsibilities, development opportunities, department culture, organisation size, location, or job title. Be as specific and concrete as possible about each requirement.
Then, research how well this new role will fulfil those:
Review the job spec and evaluate how many of your requirements it meets.
Go online and browse the company’s website. Does it mention resources for your top requirements (for example staff development/progression, home-working, flexible working)?
If you have requirements about culture or leadership, look up the CEO and hiring manager on social media and see what they post and share. Do they seem the sort of leader you want to work with?
Read staff reviews of the company's work environment on Glassdoor.
Search for people in your work/personal/LinkedIn network who have worked for the company or for your new boss. Reach out and ask about their experiences or advice.
At this stage, if there are any 'NOs', do not apply. If you have only ticks and question marks, why not apply?
If you get an interview, ask specific questions about the aspects that are important to you, and pay close attention to what information your interviewer shares — and doesn’t share.
If you get a job offer, listen to your gut. If something doesn't feel right, work out what's making the alarm bells ring, and request a further meeting to ask more questions. being curious about the job, explaining what's important to you and asking your new manager what is important to them, will help you make an informed decision, build relationships and feel motivated from the start. And remember, a good employer will want you to take time to fully understand the opportunity — both on a professional and personal level — before you sign up.
What else might you do to find out about a company/role during the application process?
Further suggested reading: “How to Identify a Family-Friendly Employer,” by Suzanne Brown
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