Before accepting a job offer, always do your homework. Switching jobs is life-altering, and you need to study all the factors involved before making a decision.
Reach out to your would-be future colleagues. After receiving an offer, always ask the recruiter how much time you have to decide. You need enough time to do your own background check.
Ask if it’s possible to get a few names and contact information of people you’ll potentially work with. If it’s offered, feel free to send email or talk to them by phone, and ask a few questions that will help you learn more about the company.
Here’s a list of some questions you might consider asking:
- Why do you like working for this company?
- Do you enjoy working with your fellow teammates?
- What are your typical hours?
- How would you describe the organizational culture?
Though some may not be willing to give you the truth, you can still get a sense of the truth by judging their tone of voice and type of response. Don’t be upset if you don’t get a response right away. Perhaps they’re too busy (or they don’t have anything good to say). The answers you do receive will give you an idea of what it’s like to work for the company.
Look into your networks. Whether you look into your professional or personal network, it’s possible that you already know someone who works for the company. You can check your LinkedIn connections or online alumni databases to find out if they’ve been employed there in the past. Ask them for a few minutes to discuss the company.
Research online. You can also check out Glassdoor.com as a resource — it lists both the pros and cons of working at different companies. (The reviews may not all be reliable, so read carefully.) Once you’ve collected all the information you need, list the pros and cons of accepting the job.
If you think the job is a perfect fit, accept the job offer. If not, keep looking. The right job may be just around the corner.