Over the years, I’ve been asked dozens of times whether someone should apply for a position that recently opened. Generally speaking, these can be very attractive opportunities, but there are several questions you need to ask yourself first.
What new skills will this role give me?
This should be your number one reason for taking a position. Your goal is to develop as many skills as deeply as possible during your tenure at a firm, while also helping the firm accomplish its mission. Too many people focus on doing their job well, not realizing that the company is far less concerned with their long term success as individuals. Gain skills that are valuable in the market, that way when the firm doesn’t need your role anymore, you have options. –And by the way, those skills mean you might get promoted in the meantime.
Do I believe I can do the job well?
My fastest promotions came when I chose a role that I knew I could do very well instead of a job that paid better, but was outside my sweet spot. Stick to your strengths and use them to stand out from the crowd. (Exception: if you find an opportunity where your skill development is more valuable than the risk of failure, go for it.)
What are the political dynamics around the role?
Politics are everywhere, and some roles are highly political (e.g. corporate strategy) and others less so (e.g. operations). Understand the politics of the group you are looking at joining, and get a sense of who will have an influence over your perceived success.
Share to see the other 5 tips and a tool for making your decision!
[sociallocker]Is my new immediate boss on the fast track or stagnating?
Career acceleration happens fastest for A players who play for other A players. A great role under a leader who has been stagnant for a long time can be a red flag, and slow your development and promotion.
Where could I go from there?
I encourage people not to stress too much about this. Yes, it is nice to find roles where there is a clear, obvious path to promotion, but I recommend focusing on skills development instead. At many firms reorganizations happen so often that you can’t count on well worn promotional paths.
Will I enjoy what I do from day to day?
It’s simple, do you think you will like it or dread it?
How will my application/move be perceived?
Usually you need to let your current boss know you are looking at other positions. So consider how long you’ve been in the current role, and if conditions allow, see if you can have an “unofficial” and confidential conversation with the new hiring manager to ensure you both are interested before signalling your intent.
How does it pay?
This really should be last on the list. Don’t jump for small amounts of money, careers are marathons and not sprints… focus on skill development.
A framework for making a decision:
Current Role |
New Opportunity |
|
x2 | x2 | |
I will continue to develop valuable new skills | ||
I can do the job well | ||
I can thrive in the political atmosphere | ||
My boss is on the fast track/highly regarded | ||
There is a path to promotion | ||
I will enjoy the day to day | ||
My application will be well received | ||
The position pays well | ||
Totals: |
Scoring
Take the value you assigned in row 1 (skills development and double it, then add the doubled score from row one to the rest of the scores (this is to put extra emphasis on skills development). The total should give you a sense of how to think about the new opportunity vs. the one you have today.
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