1. Questions and Concerns
Before accepting a position make sure you ask all your questions and concerns. If you have a question about the salary, ask it. If you have a question about what type of benefits you will be receiving, ask it. What will my workweek consist of? Is this a permanent or temporary position? Before you say yes to start the on-boarding process, these questions should be asked and then answered. I let my candidates know this information before I even set them up with a client for an interview.
2. Getting in the Door
Employers let candidates know what is expected from them on the interview. Do not lie to your employer just to get a job and go back on your word. If the employer tells you the job requires every weekend and you say you can do that, do not wait for your start date to say you can only work every other weekend or cannot work weekends at all! If you cannot work what the employer requires, do not waste time as you may have taken another candidate’s position that would have been able to fulfill what the employer needs. Just because you were identified for a position does not mean requirements can change now.
3. Give Notice
Chances are if you are currently working and are offered a new position, you will have to resign from your old one. Traditionally, giving 2+ weeks notice is adequate time to inform your current employer of your new career move. The new job may require some days of training or classes before your actual start date. Make sure you notify your current employer of this as you need some days off to accommodate it. Be up front and do not lie about it. The worst thing to tell your employer is that a family member is sick or died and you need time off; then call to say you got a new job. This is not professional.
4. Being Flexible
The first few days of a new job can be stressful and ambiguous. Additional times and days may need to be worked in order to be fully trained for the position. Do not complain about this. The worst thing you can do is start a new position and tell your new employer what you cannot do! It is not a good start for the relationship and shows down the line you may not be reliable.
Good luck to all those searching and starting new positions. Keep these tips in mind as it makes life easier for both the employee and employer!