I just finished reading Who written by Geoff Smart and Randy Street, part of the same team that brought about the Topgrading methodology of hiring. In Who, they close the book by telling hiring authorities about the importance of selling the opportunity the candidate. I thought it was such a great section that I am going to try to translate the five "F's" they talk about but more on the candidate side as you are deciding on whether to take a job or interivew.
1. Fit. Make sure that the total company gives you a "fit" both with the people you will be working with and the company as a whole. Get to know the Missions, Values, and what they company stands for and how they operate.
2. Family. Both inside the company and outside with you personally. Do other employees have things like pictures of their family on the desk, or when was the last time they had a company social event? These things are important because we spend the majority of our best years at work. Make sure it is supportive of your work family and you home life.
3. Freedom. Will you have the ability to be your own person, and manage yourself independently? How does your future boss operate and what do other people say about their style? Look at the company reviews, are they based on what you accomplish in a year or just getting by?
4. Fortune. Not necessarily the most important thing but is the company stable and do you feel comfortable with the offer? It doesn't have to be 50% higher than your current offer, but just good enough to make you feel that it's worth the change. Don't forget to be realistic, especially with the current economy.
5. Fun. What do they do to have fun? Big and small things. Are the people around the office or facility fun to be around in the interview or are they always tired and running somewhere to put out a fire?
Think about these things the next time you're deciding about making a change.
Great post!
Posted by: Jason Lander | July 16, 2009 at 01:25 PM