Have You Qualified Your New Position?

Whether you’re actively looking for a new position, have been headhunted, are in the recruitment process or have been offered a new position, ask yourself whether you have qualified for the position and the company.

We have endlessly discussed how the hiring process is a two-way street; however, people still think that the hiring manager and company have the upper hand and that it is up to them to conduct all the qualifying.

You have the upper hand as a candidate or potential candidate in a candidate-driven market.  Platforms such as LinkedIn are inundated with advertised positions that fit your profile, which means you are in control. Don’t be seduced by a position offering more money or great benefits. Qualify the position and the company and ask yourself – is it a genuinely good career move?

A candidate-driven market means plenty of opportunity for you as a candidate. If you’re in demand, you’ll probably be presented multiple opportunities weekly. How should you qualify for the role to ensure you’re picking the right one?

Does the role have the growth potential?

Accepting a position with a salary increase is great; however, does it have the potential for earning that some other paying less roles have? For example, a role which is paying £100k may only have the potential to earn you £70k in commission, whereas a £90k position may have the potential to earn you £500k in commission. Qualify the potential of the role and the package to ensure you’re not missing out on better opportunities. Research the company and see what current employees are saying about them. Platforms such as Glassdoor give great insight into what people think and what people are earning.

Who will be your mentor?

If you’re not constantly learning, you’re falling behind. The best way to learn is from someone with skills and experiences who can guide you and offer you mentorship. Ask about the leadership and development programs that are available in the company to identify what you will learn, how quickly you’ll learn and how dedicated this new company is to development and progression. It could be a red flag if you fail to identify the company’s commitment to development and learning.

Working with a great mentor can be the difference between accelerating your career or stagnating. Learn how to get the most out of your mentor to utilise the opportunity.

What are your long-term goals?

An increase in salary or a more lucrative package may be attractive. However, is the role you’re considering a good career move? Your next move doesn’t have to be long-term but should align with your long-term goals. If the role does not offer a natural stepping stone to your career plans, it may not be the right one for you. Big jumps or career changes can derail your potential for progression, so think about the step after this one. If it hinders your future growth, steer clear of it.

Alternatively, could this role lead down a different path that presents more growth opportunities? Discuss your future with the companies you’re interviewing to see whether they will support and guide you where you want to be.

Do your core values and missions align?

Cultural fit is one of the most important aspects when qualifying a company you want to work for. Just like the hiring manager assesses you for cultural fit, you should be doing the same and qualifying the company. What do you think of the people you’ve been interviewing with? What are the company’s missions and growth plans?  Are you aligned, and do you see yourself working with these people? You're more likely to succeed if you’re aligned with the company and the team.

Understand your motivations for wanting to work for ‘that company’ and in ‘that role’ and align them with what the company can offer you.

Key points

• Always qualify the role thoroughly before accepting it. Consider potential for growth, mentorship, long-term goals and cultural fit.

• Look beyond the salary and assess how the role and company will impact your future career.

• Do your research. Use platforms such as Glassdoor to learn what the company is really like from the people who already work there.