Should I take that other job?

Every day the news is filled with stories about job loss, how bad the economy is, in-fighting between political parties over how to jump-start the economy and so on. However, for you, things are going great. You have a decent job with decent pay and seem to be content.


Then you get a call from a Headhunter/Recruiter. They have this fantastic job that seems to be custom designed for your skills and experience and they want you. Sure they know that you already have a job but look what they can offer!



Before you chuck it all and head into unknown territory with a new company, you might want to investigate this fabulous offer along with the company first. Remember the old adage that “the grass is greener on the other side of the fence?”? Not always the case.



At first glance, this might seem like an opportunity that you just can’t turn away from. The Headhunter is telling you about all of the benefits and the great salary, blah, blah, blah. But is it worth risking? You are content in your current position. The salary is enough to keep you going, you like the company, you like your co-workers and pretty much everything about your current position. So why would you throw that away?



Therefore, before leaving your current position for that “pie in the sky” position, you need to think about a few things:



Check out the new company’s profile. How do they stand financially?



Find out what kind of turnover they have with employees in your department. Maybe you know someone who works at the company. If so, talk to them and get the real scoop on the company.



See if you can find out about the company’s culture and if it’s a good fit for you.



Is there any growth opportunity associated with the new position?



Are you getting the whole scoop on the position? Remember that a headhunter only gets paid if they successfully place a candidate in the position so they have ulterior motives. Don’t get suckered into a job that is not for you. Don’t get distracted by the salary or any of the other benefits that the headhunter might be pushing. Sure money is great and so are benefits, but, if the position really isn’t for you, the money or the benefits will not be worth it and you will be wishing that you had your old job back!



So before you let that headhunter talk you into a new position, do your due diligence and check out the company and the offer. Weigh all of the pros and cons of whether you should stay or go from your current position. If you are happy, then thank the headhunter and ask him to just hold on to your information for some time in the future.





By: Nancy Anderson, Staff Writer