This is the first in a new blog series focused on professional development, networking and career tips by Najat Mahammed. If you’ve got questions you’d like answered in an upcoming post, leave a comment or email us!

African business people shaking handsSo you’ve aced that interview. They’ve called your references and you’re feeling pretty confident you’re about to get that job offer. And if you’ve been job hunting for a while, this feeling can be euphoric. But before you say ‘yes’, there are a few things to consider. Not every open door is for you, and there’s nothing wrong with evaluating if you can negotiate before you take the plunge.

These tips can also be applied to internships and/or graduate research programs.

 

Respect 

How you were treated during the interview, is a reflection on how management treats staff. Often times, the person interviewing you might turn out to be the person you report to. So it’s important to assess at that moment during the interview, how they treat you.

Were they late to the interview or being inconsiderate to your time? Did they read your resume before hand? Did they take calls and/or answer emails while interviewing you? Reflect on how they made you feel and keep it in mind as you consider them.

Reputation 

Do some research on the company before you even go to the interview. Look up their ratings with the Better Business Bureau. Check out forums and blogs where either customers comment on the company’s treatment of them or where former employees are venting. Of course, take all of it with a grain of salt but these are things to keep in mind as once you do start working for them, these will be issues you’ll have to face.

 

Revolving Door 

Don’t be afraid to ask how long the person who once filled the role you’ve applied to had worked with the company for. Ask what is average length of time employees have worked for the company. Are there any other vacancies.

If the company has a high turnover rate, RUN! That is a horrible sign and speaking from experience, if people are fleeing from a company then the problems are often deeply entrenched and will take a few changes in management to happen before the tide changes. Unless you are up for a painful challenge, this is not the place to start your career path. There won’t be anyone there to mentor you, guide you and you may end up feeling bitter and negatively impacting the next few years in your career life.

Reach 

I once worked at an office that was two hours away from my home. The commute to and from work wore me out. I would get to the office drained and return home tense after sitting in traffic that long. It wasn’t worth it. I wish I had considered that before I started that job. You will already spend eight hours or more a day at your job, why add to it more than necessary? This takes away from time with your family, your sanity and health.

As many of you graduate, start new chapters or look to refresh your career path, I hope the tips listed above helps you evaluate the next endeavor.

Best of luck!