Currently searching for jobs and interviewed.
Only problem is that now I feel guilty!
I have been with my company for 3 years and recently had the feeling of needing to search for something else. My job is an entry level. With three years under my belt, I feel there is no room for growth. We would need someone to move on in order to move up.
I like the culture, our boss is understanding and our team are close. We have disagreements here and there like any team but overall, we work well together.
As mentioned, I interviewed for an administrative assistant position. I went through the first screening and zoom interview. Currently waiting.
when I asked about the benefits, I was told PTO and sick was combined, a total of 17 days. When I asked about professional development, I received a washy answer- okay with employees taking classes- nothing about financial assistance. When I asked the pay range they asked me what I was looking for to which I replied with: based on this position, location I can work between (x&x). their reply , “ well we will see as its based on experience “- okay, fine.
my question is: what signs can you share that are red flags?
I hate to leave my current job for something that I may end up becoming miserable. I don’t get much flexibility from this new job- they seem very dry and that worries me!
Anonymous
08/13/21 at 5:41PM UTC
After 3 years in an entry-level position it's almost expected that you move on. My advice, for the so little it's worth, lol, is that if you really like the people you work with, you like the management, the culture is really good, then don't rush to leave. My experience is that for admin. assistant positions most places will not be willing to pay for continuing education or professional development. Unless of course they decide to change software you have to learn or something like that. 17 days a year sounds average/fair in addition to vacation of course. Your question about so-called red flags - I like to see the starting salary or range in the ad, or at least have it given at the first interview. When they ask you what you want be careful you don't undervalue yourself and lowball it, because it sounds to me like they might be doing this to you. Good luck!
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist
21.94k
08/08/21 at 8:53PM UTC
YOU SAID:
"Only problem is that now I feel guilty!"
Guilty about what? I promise you, neither your boss nor your team members have ever, WILL ever say "gee, I'd love to take this great new job, but I would feel so guilty leaving anonymous."
You've been in an entry level position for three years. That's a long time. If you don't make the next step in your career soon, hiring managers and recruiters are going to start to think that you have no ambition to move up.
Read articles about what questions to ask on an interview. You need to have an honest conversation with yourself about what's most important to you to determine what are red flags for you.
Once you determine what's important to you, this may or may not be the right fit for you. If you take it and it turns out it's not the right fit, don't be afraid to admit that and start looking again. You wouldn't stop completely going to restaurants just because you had one bad meal, right?
What have you done so far in your job search? Is this the first company you interviewed with? Where do you have your resume posted? How often are you updating those?
Aurora Jacobins
123
08/09/21 at 2:48AM UTC
Thank you! Your words settled the guilt!
This is the first job that I applied, well one of 5. I have my resume posted in indeed. It has t been a hard search but more of a soft search- just one night trying to check out what was available.
Lee KolesFounder, Career Strategist at CareerSequel
166
08/08/21 at 1:48PM UTC
I want you to examine this "guilty" feeling.
Please know that you can enjoy your job's culture, appreciate your boss, be friends with your teammates and also pursue a new job in a different organization.
It's healthy to want to grow and expand your current set of skills. Your coworkers will also recognize this, though they may be sad to see you go. They will ultimately be excited to see you thrive and gain new knowledge.
Also understand your worth. You are interviewing the company just as the company is interviewing you. Just because you are offered a job doesn't mean you have to take it. If you sense a disconnect - if your gut is sending you a warning - know that it is okay to decline an offer.
I'm cheering you on!
Aurora Jacobins
123
08/09/21 at 2:50AM UTC
Thank you!!!!!!
I was feeling horrible at first but with all of your help I now feel okay with The search. I don’t know that this job ( currently interviewing) is the right fit. I need a job with more PTO and flexibility whereas this job seems more cut and dry. The owner doesn’t no see like he is empathetic but more about the $$$- running a tight ship.
Sue Gordon- retired Career Coach
3.27k
08/06/21 at 6:35PM UTC
That's not much PTO and the wishy washy benefits is a flag.
I do recommend you don't ask about salary and benefits until they bring it up. Benefits can wait till the offer. By asking too early you can inadvertently signal your more concerned about the compensation package than the job itself.
First focus on the job and if it's a fit. The salary info can be dealt with when you are both excited to move forward.
Aurora Jacobins
123
08/09/21 at 2:53AM UTC
Not much PTO, if I were to take vacation it would be for a week and the rest save in case of doctor appts or sick days.
Yet they told me it was “generous”- which again, makes me wonder how “generous” is the pay?!
Anonymous
08/05/21 at 9:15PM UTC
You start off with that statement "now you feel guilty" and then end with you misgivings about the role itself.
First off, if your smart and talented don't you want a career that develops or do feel its wrong to look elsewhere to grow and your need to feel guilty and stay put?
Secondly, you interviewed for a job. Good for you. It's good practice. No reason to rush into anything that doesn't seem amazing. It it's not it then keep looking. This is part of the process. Your career grows either by accident or deliberate effort on part. If this is not the position for you, keep looking.
Stephanie Mansueto, Corporate Recruiter & Job Hunting CoachRecruiter & Job Hunting Coach for Millennials
499
08/05/21 at 4AM UTC
First off, they should always give you a salary range or their budget for the position (and those aren't always necessarily the same number). Even if it's a small company that doesn't have solid market data, they should give you something to consider to make sure you're in alignment.
The PTO doesn't sound great but I've seen worse. I'm also concerned with the fact they didn't give you a good answer regarding professional development. If that is important to you, then you should feel good about the company's ability to give you growth opportunities.
Keep looking! I'm sure you'll have more opportunities with the job market we're in. Good luck!
Anonymous
08/05/21 at 9:11PM UTC
Thank you!
I too felt a little uneasy with the not proving a range for salary. I don’t want to waste my time interviewing to find out that’s less than what I am willing to take.
The professional development part is also not great. If they can’t invest in their employees then the message I am receiving is : we don’t care, we only care that you work and work some more!
I read the reviews online and former employees were not too thrilled. In short, “run and don’t look back”- type of stuff.
Of course, I am taking it with a grain of salt but adding all the several different variables makes me feel uneasy.
Let me just say that it sound like a great opportunity and it’s 15 minutes from my home—- the main reasons why I applied.
Anonymous
08/05/21 at 2:18AM UTC
Go with your gut feeling. It’s always right. To leave a good job, you have to get a much better job. This one doesn’t sound like it’s better.
Anonymous
08/05/21 at 9:11PM UTC
My gut feeling is unsettled. Maybe that’s enough to keep moving
LISA MCCARTNEYDegrees in Business Management and Marketing.
300
08/06/21 at 6:51PM UTC
You will know when it is right.
Patti Working in tech in Colorado
466
08/06/21 at 1:50PM UTC
You have a job. No reason to rush into another job that won’t make you happy.
