If hindsight is 20/20, looking back now, what questions do you wish you had thought to ask before accepting a new job offer?

Anonymous

September 17,2021 at 4:27PM UTC

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If hindsight is 20/20, looking back now, what questions do you wish you had thought to ask before accepting a new job offer?

After 15+ years with my current employer, I am frustrated and find myself considering a change - my immediate circle at work is great and very supportive, and I respect the owners of my company, and their values align with my own. I am losing faith in my future here, even though I know I am a part of the succession plan - I can’t continue along the same exact path that has been laid out by the person I work for, and despite making efforts over this past year to try and change my course, I’ve gotten nowhere. I don’t believe that anyone is irreplaceable - but I have to say, I come pretty close.

I’m struggling to reconcile the fact that I am secure in what I’m doing with the idea that it’s not the best use of my time, skills, or company-specific knowledge, or, the way in which I would prefer to spend my day.

I am interested to see what else is out there, but I’m nervous about making a drastic change that I could regret down the road.

After moving into a new role, what do you wish you had thought to discuss during your interview/decision making process, and would those conversations have changed your mind? It’s been SO long since I went on an interview, even though I find myself in the role of interviewer now, I would love to hear advice about what to take into consideration as I start to put feelers out…. all perspectives are welcome!

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MO3BZSeptember 17,2021 at 5:22PM UTC
If you are feeling uncomfortable in your current role, it never hurts to dust off your resume, set up job alerts on a few job boards, and test out the waters of a job search. Start researching what you want to do, and maybe jotting down what you enjoy doing in your current role and where you wish it would lead... It will help you feel better and give you a sense that you are doing something about your discomfort. Also I highly recommend going on a few interviews, its not only great practice if you haven't interviewed in awhile, its going to give you a sense of what else is out there. Remember going on an interview is not a decision. You only have a decision to make if you get another offer. You may find another opportunity you wish to pursue, or you may decide to stay the course in your current role. The worst thing you can do is to do nothing... Good luck!
AnonymousSeptember 17,2021 at 5:38PM UTC
Since you're nervous with change and fear regret I would stay put and shop around on job boards maybe, if it's not too scary, network a bit to see what's out there.
Nothing wrong with staying put and staying comfortable. Growth is hard, and the path is never a straight line and it is not for the shy. It's a nerve wracking experience to actually jump in and start interviewing. While rewards are life changing it's upsetting. My suggestion is to stay under the radar and just window shop until you feel the strength and conviction to step out of your comfort zone and risk your tried and true predictable life. Because you will not just be changing your job. You'll be changing you life.
Marla FieldsSeptember 21,2021 at 5:11PM UTC
What does success in this role look like to you (to the hiring manager but also other steakholders)? If they say working 16hr days and on weekends to get it all done then I know it is not a good match!
Or u can ask it another way, ask them to think of the most successful person they have ever known in this role and explain why they where successful. And if that person worked for them at the currect company, where r they now? This gives u insight on if they promote internally up the ladder of really successful people.
AnonymousSeptember 24,2021 at 2:39PM UTC
Great suggestion - thank you!
Valerie EdenSeptember 21,2021 at 6:59PM UTC
well, I'll start with you're interviewing that company as much as they are interviewing you. Ask about their culture, their collaboration and their values. I'd ask what success looks like for your role and what the management support team looks like. Showing up as interested in this investment as possible can impress the interviewer and company stakeholders. I'd ask how company-wide info is shared. I'd ask what onboarding looks like (training department, manager & peer training) and if there are strategic goals in place currently. This is an important move for you, so you want to gather your info to make the best move. Good luck!
AnonymousSeptember 24,2021 at 2:38PM UTC
Thanks for these. The comment about sharing information is one I probably would not have thought of, but it’s spot on - I’m currently in an environment of secrecy, so a good one to think about asking!
AnonymousSeptember 21,2021 at 8:00PM UTC
Now that i work in an HR staffing capacity and researching both sides, I would say it's important to remember interviewing is a two-way street. It should feel like more of a conversation and don't be afraid to ask if they have any concerns about your experience for the role (also to prevent burnout or boredom) and if they can share stories about what their culture is like. I wish i had been more honest in interviews re flexibility and work-life balance as this would have saved me a lot of hassle up front.
AnonymousSeptember 24,2021 at 2:37PM UTC
Thank you, these are great suggestions.
Kay FittesSeptember 23,2021 at 6:22PM UTC
I am going to switch gears a bit with you. Instead of looking back to the questions you might have asked, what about asking questions of both your upper management and yourself. First identify what you COULD be doing to solve some issues in your workplace or what your talents could be focused on in expanding and/or innovating there. Create a proposal around these answers. This proposal will give you clarity on what you want to be doing and give your management a window into how best use your skills and talents. You indicate many positives of your current workplace, you owe it to yourself and them to explore the possibilities before investing the energy of moving elsewhere.
AnonymousSeptember 24,2021 at 2:37PM UTC
Thank you for this suggestion. I’ve actually gone through this step, and was essentially told that I can’t be taken away from my current role, as I would be too difficult to replace. A backhanded compliment, basically. It was after this experience (within the last 3 months) that I’ve started to seriously question making a change. ?
AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 4:23PM UTC
Do you have a sense of which role, either in your current company you could take on or create? Or which type of role you'd like to pursue in general? That's a very lazy manager response! It's in the company's interest to keep you happy! Disappointing to hear no doubt... Maybe try again with this or another manager, put forth the type of role or capacity you'd like to move into while offering to find someone to fill your current shoes. You'd be showing your initiative, problem solving ability, and possibly help the company see you in a different role.
Anne MatsushitaSeptember 26,2021 at 3:05AM UTC
As scary as it is, it's great you're doing your due diligence to help find a good fit for your next adventure! I would encourage you to think about your "must-haves," then build questions around those. For example, a manager where feedback is a two-way street, being supported to use your strengths, diversity in ethnicity/age/gender/etc., the chance to network with other departments, opportunities to attend internal and/or external development programs... Think about what you are running towards, or running away from.