Is Your New Job Right for You? Ask Yourself These 8 Questions
We’re in the age of working interviews and “try before you hire,” which allows you to test a job to determine if it’s the right fit! Not sure how? Just follow our tips and ask yourself our top eight questions.
Before You Start
Before starting your job search, the first thing to do is list everything important to you in a role. Remember to be realistic to see how the job compares to these points after you’ve started. If you’re on a working interview, you can assess the position once it finishes. Otherwise, we recommend checking in with yourself after the first week.
For example, Lucy is about to start her job search for an Accountant position. She makes a list of everything important to her:
Advancement opportunities
Collaborative work environment/helpful teammates
Evenings and weekends off
$20 per hour or more
Lucy starts applying for working interviews with AmbiMi and gets an accounting gig. She already knows her schedule would be weekdays, 9-5, and the wage is $21.50 per hour. During the shifts, she asks her boss and co-workers questions to see if the job is a good fit. Her colleagues are friendly and helpful. Unfortunately, she didn’t meet anyone who advanced internally. So, it doesn’t seem like there are advancement opportunities within the company.
Since Lucy listed everything important to her, she knows this job isn’t a good fit. She ends her time there and gets another working interview at an accounting firm. During her time, her boss truly cares about her development and offers mentorship opportunities. She is even paired with a Senior Accountant to shadow a company audit. Then, Lucy’s colleagues invite her to welcome drinks on the first Friday to make her feel at home and meet others. Lucy is offered and accepts a permanent position and is beyond happy with her new role.
All her requirements were met at the accounting firm, and her checklist helped her contrast the two companies.
Questions to Ask Yourself
A list of things that you value is a great place to start. Sometimes you need a little extra push to decide if a role is right for you. If you’re still not sure about a position, ask yourself the following eight questions:
Do the company values and purpose match yours?
Do you get along with your boss and co-workers?
Does this role fit in with your daily routine?
Did you enjoy your time there?
Do you feel like you’re learning new skills?
Will you have another opportunity like this?
Will this opportunity help you reach your goals?
Can you picture yourself with that company in 1 year? What about 5 years?
Your answers will determine cultural fit, lifestyle fit, and whether you can grow and learn with the company. It’ll help put things into perspective and give you a gut feeling about a new job.