Considering a change of jobs? 24 questions to consider before taking the plunge.
Date : 15.09.2011
As a recruiter I’m obviously meeting people at a point when they’re considering job opportunities, whether that be a role with me or elsewhere. It can be a real struggle for any person as they question whether a particular role is the right next step in their career.
Unfortunately too often do I see examples of a person’s career having been negatively impacted by a poor decision in accepting a new role: six months into the position & they’re asking themself ‘how did I get here?’
The difficulty for any recruiter in providing guidance to a person during the course of a recruitment project is that the person will rightly question whether the recruiter is totally unbiased in their ‘advice’.
So, how do you get objective advice? Before contacting a trusted friend, colleague or mentor, here are 24 questions to consider when you look at a new role. This framework of questions has been built during my 18 years as a recruiter and is borrowed from many wise sources:
- What is the standing and reputation of the organisation within its sector?
- Do the values and culture of this organisation match my own?
- How does the organisation’s stability and longevity match to my needs?
- Does the organisation’s approach to continuing professional development match to my needs and expectations?
- Is the role associated with, or attached to, the ‘core business’ of the organisation; or is it a part of non-mainstream activities?
- Given my career history and the risk profile of this opportunity, can I afford the risk?
- What happened to the previous position holder; or if there wasn’t one, why has this role been created?
- What are going to be the major challenges in the position?
- What are the success criteria for the role; are they realistic; and can I achieve them?
- Is there sufficient executive authority in the role to match the responsibilities and expected outcomes?
- Will I have, or can I get, sufficient resources to do what I’m expected to do?
- Why am I being offered this position – what is it about me that makes me the right person?
- Will I be able to establish my credibility in a timeframe to match organisational needs?
- Will I be able to work well with my manager?
- Do I understand the challenges of becoming the manager of the existing team? Can I manage them?
- Did any internal people (particularly from within the team) apply for the role?
- Do I have the career platform to be successful in this organisation and position?
- How does the job fit into my career plans?
- Will I be stretched and what are the prospects for my continuing career development?
- Is the role appropriately remunerated? If not, are there compensating benefits, such as the experience/expertise I’d gain.
- How does the expected tenure of the role align with my needs and expectations?
- Do I want this role? Why?
- How do matters such as hours of work, location and travel requirements match to my expectations for work/life balance?
- Would those whose views I value be proud of me if I told them about this opportunity?
Twenty four is a lot I know, but hopefully a selection of the above is relevant to you.