Looking for a job or change of career is mostly about asking and answering questions. Before you go for an interview, you get yourself prepared by checking out the common interview questions that will be asked by the employer.
Top 10 Most Common Job Interview Questions (click here)
But it’s not all about the employer asking you questions alone. You can and should ask some questions yourselves. Today, job seekers are smarter and you have every right to evaluate the suitability of the employer as much as they are evaluating you.
When and what questions to ask the Interviewer? (click here)
All the preparation of knowing the right questions leads to one outcome that boils down to this…
“Hi, Kamal. Good news! We are pleased to offer you the post of Project Manager. When can you commence work so that we can put the date down in your offer letter?”
You instantly jumped for joy! But wait a minute…
You have a secured job. They may offer you a 20% more pay but is this really a good offer?
It’s question time again.
This time the questions are raised by you and to be answered by you and you alone.
As a guide, these ten questions are to help you weigh your options. You just need to answer yes or no to every question.
1. Do I like the new job scope? (They said something about traveling to branches once every two weeks. Is this alright with me?)
2. Can I do the job? (I’ve to admit it’s a big hat for me to wear. Am I ready for all the challenges?)
3. Can I work with the Hiring Manager? Is there a good connection between us or not?
4. How much do I really know about the company? What is the market’s perception of the company? Do I have enough information about their stability and their interest in the Malaysian market?
5. What is the opportunity for growth – the next two to three years? Is it in sync with my personal goals?
6. Does this new job build on my previous experience – to further enhance my skills set?
7. Are they paying me fairly for the job scope? Do I know what other benefits they are offering? After comparing the benefits between my current company and theirs, are they better? If not, am I alright with what I’m going to lose?
8. Is the management philosophy in sync with what I believe? (The interviewers seem to be referring to the big boss for every decision making. Can I live with a culture that does not believe in empowerment?)
9. Is the office location too far? Will I be able to accept the daily strain from the longer commuting time?
10. Will taking this job on overall enhance my marketability or not? How would it look like on my resume in two to three years from now?
If you have more yes than no, then it is a reasonably good offer. Otherwise, it is not wise to be too quick to reply, “Yes, I’m in.”