4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Accepting a New Job

Whether you've recently started your job hunt or have just received an offer, before you jump head-first into a new role, it's a good idea to take a step back, give yourself a cooling-off period and ask a few pertinent questions.  

According to a 2022-2023 Aflac WorkForces Report, more than 59% of American workers are experiencing at least moderate levels of burnout, a notable increase over 2021's figure (52%), and on par with the levels reported in 2020 at the height of the pandemic.

If you identify with burnout-induced feelings such as overwhelm, stress and disengagement, which can result in the phenomena of "quiet quitting"--where you do the bare minimum to collect your paycheck--or you're in an environment where layoffs are rife, it's not surprising if you're considering a new job.

Another workplace issue that has garnered column inches after it trended on TikTok is that of "rage applying". This is where you have a bad day, week or month, and impulsively apply for a new job--any job--as a response. While this can work well for some, ultimately, you'll need to assess if that new role is actually right for you in terms of your long-term career progression, or if it's just enabling you to escape your current situation.

But no matter how you apply or seek out a new role, before you confirm your acceptance, there are a few other things you should consider. 

1. Does the job align with your career goals?

Given the rate of job cuts in the tech sector in particular--Layoffs.fyi has tracked 490 tech companies which have laid off 138,652 employees so far this year--it is understandable to feel that there are fewer opportunities and any new job is a good result.

Things aren't quite as bad as they may seem. The World Economic Forum reports that hiring is slowing down globally, but labor markets are still relatively tight compared to before the pandemic. 

So before you say yes, take a look at the job with a clear head: is this a move that's going to get you where you want to be in three to five years' time? What are the specific responsibilities and duties of the job, and will they offer you new responsibilities, management experience or the opportunity to hone your existing skills? If not, it could be prudent to wait.

2. What is the company culture like? 

Culture is often overlooked and under-rated. But it is an essential ingredient in the recipe of employee satisfaction, with 46% of candidates saying culture is very important in the application process, with 88% of job seekers saying it is relatively important.

A study conducted by MIT Sloan Management Review analyzed over a million reviews written by employees about their employers, and the standout finding was that companies where workers are respected are far more likely to have a good culture.

Ask yourself if this is a company that is aligned with your own values: in particular, the Millennial and Gen Z cohorts want to work at companies with strong corporate brands with good diversity and inclusion measures, and ESG policies. Seventy-seven percent of Gen Z respondents to a Deloitte study said they consider it important to work for a company with similar values.

Check into flexibility too. Can you work remotely, will you be expected into the office, or does the job offer full flexibility? At Accenture, flexible work arrangements are available to help employees achieve work-life balance.

An EDA CAD Senior Engineer role in Phoenix is currently available. You'll be an experienced CAD/automation engineer with experience in digital ASIC design and verification, and can develop IP packaging and qualification flow for internal use and external delivery.

3. What are the opportunities for growth and advancement?

According to research from Amazon and Workplace Intelligence, 74% of Gen Z and Millennial employees say a lack of career mobility and skills development options will lead them to resign within the coming year. 

So, it is important to assess ahead of time what programs and benefits this new job will offer in the way of professional development. Are there benefits in the form of tuition reimbursement, evidence of good succession planning, or are there employee resources groups available for mentoring and support?

Apple is a company known for its benefits, offering job training and tuition, a diversity program where all staff receive annual training and an apprenticeship program. If you'd like to work here, there is a current vacancy for a Cellular Protocol Development Engineer in San Diego. You'll work on groundbreaking cellular technologies, and will identify and develop core cellular technologies that solve everyday problems for customers using iPhone, iPad, Watch and other wireless product lines.

4. What are the benefits and compensation packages offered?

Unsurprisingly, compensation is the number-one driver for workers, and according to 2022 figures from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, those workers, on average, said they would need to be offered a salary of $73,700 to switch jobs.

Compensation goes beyond salary: as what's being called the "Perksession" bites, and cash-strapped companies cancel nice-to-haves such as free snacks, employees are looking for more tangible benefits like 401k contributions, comprehensive health cover and PTO.

If you'd like to negotiate your best ever package, explore this Identity and Access Management Architect role at Fiserv. You'll get a range of financial compensation benefits such as bonus pay, employee stock purchase plan and stock options, a yearly bonus and 401(k) matching. Health and dental insurance is offered, as is paid time off and parental leave.

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