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How Do You Know a Job is a Good Fit?
You've written a dynamite resume, aced the job interview, and the coveted job offer
finally comes through. How will you know if this organization and job is the right fit?
Fight the impulse to breathe a sigh of relief that an employer actually wants you and
consider the offer evaluation process as another component of your search strategy.
Request a meeting with the prospective employer to learn more about the position and the
organization. The atmosphere will be more relaxed and you'll be able to witness first hand
the organization's personality. Here's some questions and experiences to consider:
- Ask to meet some of the employees you'll be working with.
- Prepare some questions to ask the employees about the projects, atmosphere, and internal opportunities.
- Discuss the benefit package and gather brochures and printed information to review post-meeting.
- Now is the time to question and negotiate salary, travel, vacation, and overtime expectations.
- Determine what type of employee development structure is in place and identify potential career opportunities.
- Request a tour of the facilities and your working area.
- Question the evaluation and promotion process.
- Now is the time to find out what happened to your predecessor. Ask "How many employees have had this position in the last four years?" or "Why are the former employees no longer in the position?" or "How many employees were promoted from this position in the last five years?" The answers will give you a great deal of information about both the position and the organization.
Once you've re-visited the organization, you'll have stronger opinions on the position and staff. Trust your instincts; you need to find both a job and an organization that matches your qualifications, personality, and career plans. Make sure this offer will motivate you to get up in the morning and drive you to do your best.