Job acceptance – is this the right role for you?
Searching for a job is extremely stressful but making the final decision which role to accept can be a life changing decision not just for yourself but for your family, so naturally this can cause extreme stress and mental health issues if not handled in the right way.
So how do you choose the right role and how do you know if it’s the right role?
The more jobs you apply for and attend interview for, the more difficult the process becomes as naturally you can become disillusioned, overwhelmed and confused as to what you really want or did want and you often will start to question if you really want a new job and could it be easier staying in the job you have as it’s not that bad on reflection!
You need to be clear of what is really important to you and your family and ensure that what you are wanting in your next career move, is on the table for you as part of the deal. There are lots of considerations to be made, the people, team, company and what they all stand for; the job itself and the responsibilities and challenges and if this will be enough for you to remain focused, motivated and challenged; working hours and flexible working is high on some peoples list of priorities as well as the career prospects and route to promotion or management further down the line. Although salary and package are high on the list of importance for most, unless the other needs and requirements are fulfilled the salary is not worth looking at.
You need to be aware that your employer is likely to counter-offer you when you give notice. Typical counteroffers are 10% of your salary, so you need to factor this into the salary you are negotiating with your new employer. It’s really no point moving for the same money or slightly more unless you have a strong reason for moving. You need to be certain that an increased offer of salary from your current employer will definitely not motivate you to stay with them. What you don’t want to do is to agree a salary and then be counter-offered more than your new employer has offered you, or you may find that other jobs you have applied for, they have been more generous with their offer and given you at least 10% increase of your salary which throws your head into chaos as you haven’t been that blunt from the outset of what you really would like salary wise.
As well as the basic considerations, an important factor to consider is the process you have experienced from your new employer and the rapport you have felt from your new Manager and work colleagues. Can you see yourself working with them. Do you feel that they have good work values and strive for the same things as you do? Are you clear from the interviews what will be expected from you in your day-to-day work? Do you know what the first 3, 6, 9 and 12 months look like and what the challenges will be? What training and development will be offered? What is your probation period? Have you read the offer of employment and the terms and conditions and are these wrote professionally and in line with legislation which gives you the confidence that you will be joining a professional business who do things from a HR perspective.
The last consideration is what does your gut tell you to do. You can have lots of things ticked off but unless it feels 100% right then you need to wait for that feeling. If you feel excited and energised and cannot wait for the start of your next chapter, then you know you have made the right choice for you.
