Deeper questions when considering a new job

3 October 2022

When considering applying for a new job most people ask themselves the obvious questions such as:

Do I have the skills, knowledge and experience they are looking for?
Is this a company, a manager, a team that I would like to work for?
Will I find this work interesting?
Does this role advance my career?
Are the conditions (hours, flexibility, locations, working conditions) acceptable?
Will I be paid appropriately?

Here are a few additional questions you can ask:

Will my talents be incubated and stretched in this role?
Will I have the opportunity to support and develop other talented people?
What new and emerging technology will I be exposed to?  Will this put me at a technological forefront?
Will the leadership inspire me?
To what degree will I get to expand my network?  How wide and diverse will my network become?
Will this role challenge my thinking and worldview to the degree that I need at this point in my career?
Is this role in my comfort zone or my learning zone?  Where do I want it to be?
Is this a stepping stone role or a solid landing role?  How long would I want to stay in this role?
Is this role sustainable?
What will I be most curious about in this role?
Am I maximising or satisfying with this role?  
If I have a purpose do I know the degree to which this role align with it?

It is also extremely valuable to ask yourself what outcomes you expect to happen (in 6 months, in 2 years, and in 5 years) as a result of doing this role.  Then come back to your predictions in 6 months, and in 2 and 5 years.

Asking yourself deeper questions as you consider a new role will help you think critically about it leading to new insights and increased surety in selection processes.  The paradox is that asking yourself more questions about a role just might decrease the level of confidence you have about going for it, but that is OK as a high level of confidence is rarely as useful as people think it is.

These types of questions also ensure you consider the alignment of the role with your values.  When there is a good values fit between yourself and the work you are doing you are much more likely to flourish.

Look at questions as keys on a key ring.  Question unlock doors.  The bigger your key ring and the more keys you have, the more doors you can unlock.

John C Maxwell

As always, wishing you a flourishing career.

Katherine