In order to make smarter career decisions, you have to be clear on the expectations you have for the job you want to enter. For starters, you should ask a lot of important questions about the company and its culture. Probe their values and how they treat employees just as how they want to know you. It’s easy to get excited—especially if you’re looking forward to this job for a long time. But remember, you will be clocking in and out of this employer’s office every single day for at least a year. If the thought makes you uncomfortable, try to take a step back and assess the choices you have at hand.
As you do so, here are some factors that you might want to look into before accepting that job offer. Who knows? You might even get a better offer with the additional benefits of the company for a fresh graduate?
Is the company culture right for you?
More than the compensation and undeniably competitive incentives, you have to make sure that you can build meaningful career relationships with the people you will work with. Of course, you don’t need to get along with everybody. But do you see yourself having a healthy work environment with your immediate head?
Observing the communication patterns of the employer during your recruitment process can give you a clue on what to expect. Try to dig deeper about the company during the interview process. Remember: you are knowing them as much as they are knowing you. They will try to put the company in its best light to make it attractive to younger applicants. But knowing about their nuances and red flags can help you decide if you want to follow through.
Here are some important questions that are relevant to ask your soon-to-be employer, especially during the challenging times of the present:
- How long do employees usually stay in the company?
- What are the company’s areas for improvement in terms of employee management?
- How did the company respond to the pandemic? What measures did you take in ensuring the safety of your employees?
You can personalize these questions based on the standards you have for the company you want to work on. Realistically speaking, there are a few companies that can tick all of your boxes but knowing each strength and weakness can help you weigh which one is better.
Can you work productively in the work environment or set-up of the company?
Nowadays, workplaces veer away from the traditional cubicle-type setups. There are more open spaces to make the flow of ideas and communication better and more inclusive. However, most of them transitioned into remote work because of the pandemic. But some employers are still able to bring open communication to the table even if employees only connect remotely.
It’s essential to consider if you can work productively given the work process of the company. Are you looking for a mentor-type of work setup? Or do you function better by working independently? If you were to choose between a collaborative and a competitive work environment, which offer can highlight your skills and abilities?
Moreover, the workplace also tells a lot about work-life balance. Make sure to ask about work hours and if overtime work is encouraged (and paid!). From here, you can figure out what kind of culture the company has.
The location also plays a key role in choosing an offer. Will you spend most of your time stuck in traffic? Search routes on how to get to work faster. If the commute is going to be too much of a hassle and cab fares will take much of your paycheck, consider choosing the offer within a strategic location near you.
Does the job offer career advancement?
Before moving forward, make sure that you are not signing on a dead-end job. Be clear on your career goals and what you want to accomplish in the company during the interview. You don’t want to spend your nine to five just sitting on your desk. Sure, career developments take time. But your employer should also give out chances for you to thrive and advance toward your own goals.
Ask the hiring manager about the process of career promotions to let them know that you are open to a bigger responsibility when the time comes. Company-sponsored training and certifications are also a plus - meaning the company is willing to improve in-house employees to prepare them for opportunities outside and inside the workplace.
A quick situational analysis will do if you have personal preferences that are non-negotiable on your behalf. There are factors including company values, openness, inclusivity, and sustainability that you can assess as well.
Work takes up more than half of our lifetime. So, make sure to spend this time in places that value your worth.