The recruitment market has not loosened just yet, and while the obvious result is that many of the unemployed continue to find it difficult to land a job, there also is another consequence: That is employers are finding it difficult to head hunt top talents from competitors.
In fact, the recruitment website CareerBuilder conducted a survey earlier this year in the United States that found more than half (56 per cent) of employers who recruited new employees in the last year reported that a candidate rejected their job offer. Big part of this trend is that jobseekers also are being over-cautious in making a move. Nearly 17 per cent of the employees surveyed said they had a worse opinion of the employer after they were contacted for an interview.
That is a good reminder that a job interview is a two-way process: While it traditionally is an opportunity for the employer to question and test a jobseeker, it also is for the jobseeker to see how far the job and the employer match the profile he or she sets for the next move. Here are a few points that every jobseeker must keep an eye on during the hiring process and before accepting a job offer:
Communication
How good a hiring manager communicates is one of the best ways to understand the underlying corporate culture. While you may be excited to just hear from a potential employer, try to assess the level and quality of communications you receive. Your goal is to feel involved and see a sincere interest from the future employer particularly if you’ve moved beyond the initial screening stage. Does the hiring manager email, or call, you in person? What is the level of courtesy shown during these exchanges? Are you receiving enough information about the job, the phases of the hiring process, etc.? Although many may think of corporate culture as an individual preference, the reality is almost everyone looks for respect, courtesy and professional treatment in a future employer.
Transparency
In a place like the UAE in particular where sponsorship is restricted by law, it is important that you get a full picture of the employer’s plans and stability. In short, you need to be sure that the company will be there for a few years and can survive market swings, if any. Get a good idea about the company’s performance, your future job, where you’re going to be based, expected working hours, wages, etc. An employer who is being vague — intentionally — should be a red flag. The only way to reduce your own risk is to collect as much information as possible upfront. If unsure, it may be better to stick with the job you’ve got.
Details
The devil always is in the details, as the saying goes. As with any contract, read between the lines and do sweat the fine print. A last-minute added clause to a labour contract or an unrealistic verbal promise can easily turn into an obstacle in the future. Once again, don’t rush into accepting an offer unless you’re completely sold on everything. This should include conducting your own due diligence in terms of investigation the employer’s reputation. Points that you need to investigate: Has the employer been suffering of a high turnover? If yes, ask why. The more information, you collect and you’re voluntarily provided with, the better you can make an informed decision.
Your perspective
An employer may do nothing that changes your mind regarding its reputation or the job, but your own investigation of the job requirements and circumstances may enlighten you that this is not really the job you want. For instance, a person who considered a career change to sales for hopes of big commissions may find that this perk come at a high price of being unable to set a predictable work schedule and income. That is why it is important to take the hiring process as an opportunity to gather facts and make an informed decision without getting ahead of yourself or jumping into conclusions.
Remember, a new opportunity has its shine and excitement but, if you’re already employed, you must see this against the stability and knowledge of your current position. While taking on a new job is certainly beneficial in taking your career to a new level, don’t jump into new pastures until you’re absolutely sure they are greener.
— Rania Oteify, a former Gulf News Business Features Editor, is currently a journalist based in Seattle.
