You have been fighting your way through the job search, marketing yourself to any employer willing to listen. You have had a number of successful interviews and are hoping for at least one offer any time now. When the offers finally arrive you must consider which company is going to provide the best fit. In fact, you should begin asking questions about compatibility during your interviews. Finding a company with your preferred managerial style, comparable morals, and well defined goals will inevitably help your career develop.
Take the time to carefully question your prospective employer about their overall work environment. How do they measure success, for the organization as a whole, and for each individual team member? Are clear goals, roles, and responsibilities that are communicated effectively to the work force? Is the facility kept not only safe, but within your environmental needs for a productive place to work? Does the management style offer the kind of support and feedback that works for you? (Perhaps they are micro-managers, or conversely, do not provide direction or feedback at all!)
Do you perceive that the compensation plan is competitive for its industry, and is it fairly executed across the workforce? Are future increases distributed at the whim of the management or is there an understandable bonus and incentive program with which to plan for financial growth? How about ongoing training or educational programs? Expense reimbursement? Travel? Vacation and personal time? All of these issues can be gently and subtly probed so that you are at least aware of the culture you're joining.
You won't necessarily get every single item on your "wish list", but can at least make intelligent choices in those most important to you and your family. Join the organization that most appropriately fits your leadership style and career goals. Then you'll enjoy making a contribution with long term productivity and career satisfaction.
Susan Reynolds is a senior partner at Newmarket Careers, a
Santa Clarita career counseling, employment search, and
resume services firm geared toward managerial, executive, and senior level professional careers. A free professional career assessment is offered to qualified individuals who fill out the short online form.
