11 Questions To Ask Before You Accept A Job Offer

Ask The Right Questions Before Accepting A Job Offer

Here is a cheat-sheet which will help you evaluate the proposed offer in the right manner and provide you the ability to make an informed decision.

• Are you hiring me for a specific project or are you hiring me for a pool/ bench?

It is vital to understand whether you are being hired for a specific project or if you are getting hired for a pool and project will be assigned later.

• What will be my role? and what will be my designation?

There is a difference between your role and your designation. For example, your role may be of a Project Manager but your designation may be team lead or project lead. Please make sure that you have clarity on the exact role and designation that is being offered.

• What is the growth path?

Every organization offers a career path or a growth path. It is vital to understand the policies around growth, for example, some organizations want you to pass internal certifications or have policies around serving at a specific level for a certain number or years. Some organizations also offer fast track career growth if certain conditions are met.

• What is the job location? Is it subject to change?

You should definitely check your joining location, city and country. Also check if there is a chance that the location may change in future, within or outside the country.

• What are the working hours?

Some organizations offer flexible hours while others have very strict in and out timings. It is wise to check on these details before you join.

• How much is the gross salary? How much is the net salary? What is the take home salary in hand after tax?

God is in the details so make sure you understand your pay structure. Some people don't look at the details and later they realize their mistake when they receive very less in hand salary than what they expected at the time of joining.

• Which Project will I work on? What is the duration of the project? Is it a short term or long term project?

Double click your first assignment details. Find out as much as information as possible. Get the timelines of the project and understand the short term and long term implications.

• What is the process to change projects with the organization? How does one move from one project to another? Is there any interview or selection process involved internally?

It is important to understand how does the organization function in terms of providing opportunities to its employees. You should understand the processes around moving from one job role to another or from one project assignment to another project assignment.

• What is the pool/ bench policy of the company?

This is the most important question that you need to ask the recruiter or HR professional. Some organizations have very lenient bench policy while some organizations are strict. Make sure you understand these details before you make your career move.

New Year Resolutions

New Year Resolution Ideas for 2015

New Year is not just merely a flip of the calendar. It is not just about :What is that I want to achieve in the next calendar year?, but it is about matters of greater significance. An important milestone for us to review our lives. 

Every new year one needs to take a moment to pause and think:

What needs to change in the way I am leading my life?

So here is your moment of truth, make a positive move. 

Right here, right now.

Health Is Wealth - Walk 20 minutes per day

Have you contemplated a lot about being fit and healthy? but have actually done nothing to make it happen. Here is a simple idea, walk your talk. Yes, just walk for 20 minutes per day. Walking is one of the best exercises and 20 minutes per day should be a good start if you are lazy to hit the gym/ workout.

Manage Your Personal Finances - Invest an hour per week

Just earning money is not enough. One needs to be educated about managing personal finance. Make sure you keep dedicated time per week to look at your personal finances and analyze your financial needs. Plan accordingly. An hour per week should be a good be a good starting point.

Family Comes First - Dedicate one day per week

Are you a workaholic who finds it difficult to get away from work? This is your moment to change with a new year resolution. You work/ job/ business is important but make sure you spend quality time with your loved ones. One day per week of dedicated family time should be more than enough to get started.

Spiritual Connect - Connect with yourself for 15 minutes per day

One of the best new year resolution is to remind yourself that you need to connect with yourself. Self improvement is a continuous process. Spent sometime alone, every day. This may be the time you read a book or meditate or pray to the almighty or just think about yourself.
15 minutes per day will give you the much required kick.

Do it NOW - Live as if there is no tomorrow. 

Get into the habit of doing it now. Stop procrastinating.

#HappyNewYear

How To Hunt For A Job After A Career Break

You may have taken a career break for any reason: family, medical, extended vacation, higher education. Here are some tips for those who find it hard to get a job after a career break:

1. Be Honest - When you go back to the job market be honest with the reason for your break DO NOT cover up/ make up any reason which may sound better to the potential employer. Remember, honesty is the best policy and the chances of success are always high if you are genuine and honest.




2. Remember your strengths - Remind yourself of your strengths. Recall all the good things that you have done prior to the break. Be positive and confident of your skills. DO NOT doubt yourself.




3. Take a refresher course - Since you have taken a break, there are chances that the industry might have moved on with advances in new technologies and new concepts. You will need to get yourself acquainted with all the new trends. Best is to join a refresher course to get yourself on the same page with the competition.




4. Use your network - There are multiple ways to hunt jobs in the modern internet age. Using your own network of people is the best way to go about it. Identify all your old contacts, friends, colleagues, consultants, customers etc. Float your CV/ profile and mention that you are back in the market and would appreciate their help. Use the social media to your benefit, tools like Facebook, Whatsapp groups, twitter, quora, blogs, linked in and job search websites should be used in an organized manner to hunt for the right job. Never underestimate any medium of communication. Use all of them to their complete potential.




5. Be ready for negotiation - There are chances that you may need to negotiate/ compromise for getting the first opportunity after your break. Be ready to make the compromise. Remember getting the first opportunity is a bit tough so be flexible and grab it as soon as you see it. Once you are back in the game, it is just a matter of time that you make up for the compromise.




6. Sell your skills - Remember the potential employer is looking for the right candidate who can do the job. Your career break is NOT a major road block as long as you are able to explain why you took the break, what all you have done prior to the break and how you have refreshed your knowledge and skill to keep up pace with the world. Remember in any interview, it is your ability to sell your skill that will matter. All the best.

Another blog of interest: How To Make Money Online