As a Recruiter, there’s no better feeling than finding someone the perfect job to match their skills and career goals! It’s why we spend time getting to know both our Clients and our Candidates, so we understand their needs and aspirations.
We make sure that people are truly excited about the job opportunities they apply to, as the last thing we want is for Candidates to regret their decisions.
So how do you know if a new opportunity is right for you? There are five questions we believe you should ask yourself before you say “Yes” to a potential position – after all, this is a place where you will be spending a significant amount of your time in the future!
1. Is it a step up or a step sideways?
There are many different reasons why people look for new jobs, apart from career progression, but one of the most common reasons to take a new job is to challenge yourself and take a step forward. Does this new role offer you bigger and better opportunities? Or is it just the same job in a different organisation? Starting from scratch in a new place can be a big change, so you want to be sure that it’s going to deliver progression.
2. Can you see yourself fitting into the workplace?
Granted, most Candidates only get a short glimpse of a workplace when they go to interview, and it can be hard to picture what your working life there will be like. But your Recruiter should be able to give you more information on the workplace, the culture and other information regarding what your new Manager may expect from you. Do they manage employees closely? Is it a more informal environment than you’re used to? Is it open plan whereas you’ve always had your own office? Do colleagues socialise out of hours? These are all things to consider.
3. Would you be proud to work for that company?
Pride in who you work for isn’t something we talk enough about these days, but it’s an important part of our working life. If you accept a job with a company that operates in a way that is opposed to your own values, you might find it hard to be there. If you don’t really feel passionate or enthusiastic for the products or services they provide, the novelty of your new position will soon wear off.
4. Be honest – are you happy with your potential commute?
Sometimes people say yes to jobs without really considering what their day to day commute will be like. This is a very important thing to be honest with yourself about – even your dream job can become a nightmare if you’re having to travel on an unreliable train service twice a day or get stuck in gridlocked traffic every evening.
5. Is there progression for you if you do a good job?
Can you make a difference that is recognized? Very few of us these days has a job for life, but there is no reason you wouldn’t stay if you make a genuine difference and can benefit personally from the growth of the Company. What do you know about the future plans of the company? Are they aiming to expand into other territories or areas of business? Is there a clear career path within that company for you or would you have to move elsewhere to get to the next level? There are no guarantees for anyone in the world of work, but the more information you have, the better prepared you’ll be.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask your Recruiter questions about your job opportunity. They prefer to discuss any and all concerns you might have to make sure it’s the right one for you too!
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