Things to Look Out for When Applying for an Opportunity

Hey Buddy,

So you came across this new job opportunity and are probably wondering if this gig is for you? Depending on what you’re looking for, It can be a little tricky to find the best fit for you out there, especially if you are stuck on perfection. Why is this though?

Well, the chances of you finding the perfect job are really slim ‘cos I believe perfection is an illusion. Sometimes, in a bid to find the perfect job with no spots or blemishes, we miss out on growth opportunities – the diamonds in the rough.

Here are a few things to look out for when applying for an opportunity.

1. Research the Company History: Check them out everywhere and I mean EVERYWHERE. What should you be specifically looking for?

• The company culture

  • How long have they been in business?

  • Are they expanding or downsizing? E.g Do they keep hiring for the same roles in a short time span?

  • How does your potential employer compare to other companies in their industry?

  • What’s the turnover rate like?

  • Have they been in the news for any legal or financial brouhaha?

  • Maybe you’re done working with start-ups and are looking to work in a larger and more established organization. Your research will help you figure out if you should be looking at this opportunity twice.

2. Carefully read the job description: You need to read, understand, and properly interpret what the role requires. Make sure that is what you want and any ambiguity is cleared up so you don’t end up doing something you don’t like.

3. Salary and other benefits: Does your salary expectation meet this role? You also want to find out what other benefits they offer asides from money. That’s where your negotiation skills are needed. Download this E-book to learn our 15 Step Guide to Negotiating your salary.

4. Location: You don’t want to spend hours applying for a job only to realize it’s onsite, located in Timbuktu and you live in Lagos, Nigeria. Are you looking for a remote job? Are you open to moving to a new country? Do you have a passport or Visa? Decisions, decisions.

5. Work-Life Balance: You can most likely tell from a JD if this opportunity will give you the kind of work-life balance you want. Are you willing to work weekends? Do you really work well under pressure? Are the hours flexible?

If you’ve double-checked everything on this list and are convinced that this is the right opportunity for you…then I am definitely rooting for you. Get it!