Creating Tomorrow

Dear Friends,

It’s no secret that I am a fan of the highly informative site Web Worker Daily. Although I am not a web worker by definition, I do a lot of my coaching and some of my consulting from my home office, and depend heavily on online marketing avenues to promote my coaching practice and training programs. Therefore I often find their tips and advice concerning new applications and methods of virtually reaching out and staying in touch with people extremely valuable.

It was also easy for me to see that their advice on things to do before you accept a web job could easily be adapted and made relevant for anyone considering accepting a new position!

Whether you are working from a corner of your living room or in the corner office of a high rise business center, there are some important things to consider that even the current rocky economic situation should not be allowed to overshadow.

Find Out What It’s Like On the Inside!

It is not easy to assess the culture of any organization by limiting your impression to what you encounter during the interview process. In most cases, both parties are putting on their game face in that situation. However, knowing what it will be like to work in a specific environment should be a major factor in your final decision to sign on the proverbial dotted line. This is of course especially true in a traditional work situation, where you can often expect to spend more time with your new boss and colleagues then you do with your family and friends.

The next time you are interviewing for new jobs, take time out to consider the following:

• How does the person who answers your letters or calls handle their contact with you?
• How were you greeted by the receptionist?
• Did you have a long wait before the interview began?
• What is the general vibe you get when walking through the halls?
• Was the room where the interview was conducted prepared and inviting?

How prospective employees are greeted, the interview process conducted, and the vibe people give off while working can be a good first indication of the overall feel of a company.

Speak to a Current Employee 

It makes sense to confirm or supplement your own first impression by speaking with someone who  works within the organization other than the people directly involved in the interview process. Especially if you hae been called in for a second interview, ask for the opportunity to speak with someone working in a position similar to the one you are applying for. If possible, maybe even speak to the person currently holding that job.

• What do they see to be the advantages and pitfalls of the position?
• How would they characterize the overall team spirit, vision of leadership, and management focus?
• How are employees’ contributions to the success of the company valued and rewarded?

Though what you ask will probably get back to the interview team, keep in mind that an interview is a two-way process. Not only are they looking for the most suitable employee, you are looking for the most suitable employer!

Speak to a Past Employee

Is there someone in your extended circle of colleagues and acquaintances who has worked for this organization in the past? Maybe your interview partner will even voluntarily provide the name of a past employee. If so, it makes sense to reach out to them for their input on how the company functions from within.

• Was their reason for leaving connected to their desire to fulfill long-term professional or personal goals?
• Or were they escaping what was (for them, at least) an unsatisfactory work situation?

Their dissatisfaction need not be relevant for your concrete experience, but their input will allow you to develop a more rounded view of the company.

Review Online Discussions & Interaction

Now that so many future employers make use of social media like Facebook and MySpace to gain additional insight into the character and lifestyle of prospective employees, it is only fair that you take advantage of the internet to supplement the information you have on a prospective employer. Many companies having their own online presence, so it is often easy to asses how they deal with  consumers, and their comments and complaints.

• What is the overall tonality?
• Are comments answered quickly and factually?
• Is there any follow-up on complaints?
• If so - what type?

Speaking of social media, checking up on the informal buzz on a possible new employer may also turn up unexpected information that will make your final decision that much easier to make. Although the salary and benefits package might seem the most compelling reason to take a job in this economy, it will most likely be the the outcome of your addition research that dictates whether signing on with a company is a positive experience for all involved.

Trina