Generally when you go on a job interview, the interviewer controls the conversation. You simply answer questions, take a few skill assessments, and, if you’re lucky, meet the practice’s employees and have a tour of the office. It ends with a handshake and usually ends with the statement, “We’ll give you a call next week.” If you hit the interview out of the park, I’ll bet you receive the call the very next day with a job offer on the spot. When this happens, and you have been seeking employment for a while, you feel like you need to take the first thing that comes along. Without hesitation, and having that feeling of urgency to be employed, you accept the position and look forward to your first day on the job. But deep down, you can’t shake the feeling that you may have just made a mistake. Don’t ignore that feeling.
So what should you do? Let’s backtrack a little bit. After the interview, in anticipation of getting a phone call with a job offer, you need to be prepared to ask some important questions. Think about what’s most important to you when it comes to employment and write it down. As soon as you leave the interview, the ball is in your court. It’s now your turn. Don’t let them pressure you into taking the job. When you get the call, take a deep breath and ask your questions. You need to be informed before saying YES. After all, why make a knee jerk reaction and take the job just because it was offered only to not want to get out of bed each day to go to a job that makes you miserable. Get the answers to your questions, be informed, thank them for the offer, and let them know you would like to think about it and you will get back to them the next day.
So, what do you need to know?
Job Description – Do they have one to show you?
Work Hours – What hours are you expected to work?
Benefits – Do they offer benefits? When are you eligible?
Salary – What will your hiring pay rate be? When is payroll processed?
Time Off – How much vacation and sick time will you receive? Can you take off when you need to or only when the office is closed and the dentist is not working?
Firm Offer in Writing – Do they put their job offer in writing?
Stable Company – You will want to research the office. Do a deep dive into its past to learn as much as you can about it.
Attitude of Co-workers – How are they likely to treat you? Spending time in the office for skills assessment, being a temp to hire is a great way to find out!
Employee Turnover – How long do employees in this position typically last? Look for employee reviews online.
Onboarding Process – Is there an orientation and/or training process or will you be thrown in to the fire?
Goals – What will your employer expect from you? How do they measure your work? Are performance reviews monthly, quarterly or annually?
Professional Growth – Do they offer career development opportunities? If this is important to you and you don’t ask this question, you’ll find yourself unhappy in a dead-end job.
Having your list of questions ready when they call you with the job offer, will give you the advantage, allowing you to make an informed decision. Remember, money is not the only thing you are agreeing to when you accept the job. It’s not about the money; it’s much more than that. While you are asking the questions for your wallet’s sake, you’re also asking the questions for your health and well being, and peace of mind.
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