Keys To Career Success

You are out of work. Or you are stuck in a dead end job, desperately wanting to change the course of your career path. You've been searching for a new job for what seems like ages. Finally, the telephone rings. You've got an offer. Every fiber in your being says, "Take it. A bird in hand is worth two in the bush."

But hold up. Should you take a blind leap into the first opportunity that comes along? What do you really know about the potential employer? Is the offer a step forward toward your career success or is it a back hole?

Of course, the answer depends in great measure on your financial situation...how badly you need/want a new job. But if you have any wiggle room at all, it's a good idea to take the time to unearth as information as possible about the prospective employer before you take the leap.

Begin with a trip to the library. Dig into all the information you can about the organization. Seek information and opinions from your friends. Ask questions of people working in the industry and the company.

Most important: Your research should include asking questions of those who are interviewing you. Reluctance to do this is understandable; but asking questions displays confidence and knowledge, as well as a genuine interest in the position. Failing to ask questions or asking dumb questions cries out "laziness, lack of interest, lack of qualifications or desperation."

Asking questions not only develops vital information, it provides an opportunity to display your own talents.

Here's a list of questions that will turn up facts about the potential employer, as well as a "feel" for the environment in which you would be working.

1. Are the company and the industry in which it participates growing or are they stagnate?

2. What is the history of the company?

3. What is the long-term outlook for the company and the opportunity being discussed?

4. Where does the company rank when compared to its competitors?

5. Why is the position open? How long has it been open? What's the turnover rate for people in the job?

6. Is there a written description for the position?

7. To whom would you report? Where does the position reside in the organization chart?

8. How would you be expected to contribute to the success of the company?

9. How would your performance be rated? What are the benchmarks for career success?

10. Are there opportunities for training to improve your performance? What are the opportunities for advancement?

Avoid being overly aggressive with your questioning. You are not conducting a third degree grilling. Don't ask questions such as these:

1. When will I be promoted?

2. How much vacation time to I get? Sick leave?

3. When will you make your final decision about hiring me?

These sorts of questions cry out: "What's in it for me?" That's a no-no.

Let the employer introduce the subject of pay, benefits and career rewards.
If you have to ask the question, wait until you are satisfied on all other points and you are sure you want the job and the employer wants you.

The worst thing is to fail to ask questions.