So you’ve just found out that you have landed an interview for a position you've been longing for. Your CV and covering letter were perfect and you're positive you will nail the interview. So, it's probably a good idea to ask yourself if the job you’ve applied for is the right one for you. Or maybe you have found a job you like the sound of but you’re not sure if it is right for you.
Working is a necessity (for most people) but it's equally important that it works for you too, by fitting in with you as a person and with your lifestyle. There are far too many people out there that wake up and dread going to work and you don’t want that to be you!
Before taking the plunge, there are many factors to consider when deciding whether the job is right for you. Bear in mind that these points will vary from person to person. However, here are some factors you can consider to help guide you to make the right decision.
Let’s dive in and have a look at what you can consider:
1. What job do you really want?
It’s a simple question to ask yourself but can end up being a big conundrum. What is your ideal position? What best fits your skill set, goals and personality? Will you enjoy doing the job?
These are lots of points to consider but when you break each one down, one by one, you will be able to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of going ahead.
In addition, you can help yourself make a more informed decision by asking your interviewer some of the following questions:
What challenges is this company facing for this position to be open for employment?
Do you have any reservations about my qualifications or experience for this position?
What are the most important qualities for someone to excel in this role?
2. Travel, location and timings
Considering factors such as mode of transportation, distance, accessibility and timing will give you lots of food for thought!
There's nothing worse than not knowing the ins and outs of everything you have in control in life. So get yourself prepared and know the answers to each of these areas to help you make the right decision for yourself.
So go ahead and ask yourself:
How far are you happy to travel?
Which mode of transportation are you comfortable using to commute to work?
Are you satisfied with the proposed working hours?
3. What are your salary and benefit requirements?
The perks of working are of course being paid a handsome salary and being exposed to any added benefits a company offers.
Therefore, knowing if you’re going to be over the moon with your bank balance after a month's hard work will be a good indication whether the job is the right one for you.
In addition to this, it’s always nice to know what the icing on the cake is! In this case, those lovely bonuses such as: pension contribution, extra holidays, on-site gym, free parking and so on.
With all this in mind, you can hopefully make that decision fast!
4. Company culture and working environment
Considering what the company values, their ethos and motivation (and, of course, whether you agree with them) is a good way of working out whether you will fit in well.
Also, the type of workspace you will be exposed to is also another point to consider. You can ask yourself:
Do I work well in a small start-up business or larger organisation?
Will an open-plan work area work for me? Or will I be better in something more individualised?
Would I prefer to work in a small team or something more larger?
Overall thoughts...
Taking up a job is something that warrants serious consideration. Use the factors above to help you make a constructive decision about whether the job is right for you.
Alongside this, go with your gut feeling!
Good luck and may you make the best decision for yourself!