Whether or not you’re actively searching for a different job, statistics show that you’re more than likely to be open to new work options. According to LinkedIn, 87 percent of people are receptive to the possibility of a career move, and taking that chance to improve their careers is the top reason why people switch jobs.
If you’re in those numbers and have been offered a new position, you need to consider a few things before saying yes. You may have already looked at benefits, travel, and other relevant factors, but have you looked into these three traits?
The job may seem perfect, with the title, pay, and location you were hoping for. The company may have a high reputation, as well. Even so, remember to evaluate the work culture You and the position may be a perfect match, but if your personality and the work culture aren’t, then you may face some challenges.
Some businesses are extremely professional and strict. Others come with high expectations and competition. Yet others take a more relaxed approach. None of these is good or bad on its own, but it can be a bad fit if you have a different work ethic and priorities.
Also, look for signs of a hostile, discriminatory, or stressful environment. It’s one thing to tease others and quite another to harass them.
You likely have done your research on the company’s background, product or services, success, potential, and so on. One more thing to add to the list is legal history. How many lawsuits has it been involved in? What were the grounds for the lawsuits? What were the outcomes?
You don’t want to end up working for a company that creates unsafe products, breaks industry standards, encourages unethical business practices, discriminates against customers, retaliates against employees, or goes bankrupt due to an onslaught of legal fees, penalties, or damages. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a legal battle of your own.
If everything else checks out, the last thing to consider is opportunity for growth. Accepting a new job has a significant impact on your life, so you want to make sure it’s worth it. Find out how likely are promotions and pay raises for those in your position. There’s no point in taking a dead-end job or one that has a high rate of turnover.
If this opportunity is only a stepping-stone toward something greater, then this may not be an issue for you. However, it’s still worth looking into because you never know how your plans may change.
Tags: career search, job growth, job offer, legal history, School and Work, work, work culture
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