We cannot disown that working is a primary thing in our life, especially if we are the ‘financial heart’ of the family. Now the real question is, do we have to accept any job that is available when we need one? Moreover, when we are desperately need one.
Somewhere between fulfilling our basic needs and getting an ideal job, there is always the gap, where many people find themselves in a position where they have to choose a job because it is available and it is close enough to the qualifications that they have, although the job is not exactly their 'dream job'.
The never ending needs and personal limitations often force people to sacrifice their preferences in order to survive. Therefore, even though there is nothing really wrong with accepting any job that comes our way, we should really bear in mind that we need to be aware of information about the company we are going to work for, most importantly, its financial position. Now, the next question is, how do we know if a company is in good or stable position?
There are more than one ways to find out about a company’s financial position. First of all, as soon as we are applying for a job, we should research about the company from all sources we can think of, friends, family, newspaper and the internet. Information like the company status, how long it has been around in the industry, business ratios and turnover, vision and mission, and other publicly known information will most likely be easy to find in the internet. If the company is a public company, we can even find their financial statements from public archives.
Second, once we are invited for an interview, when it is our turn to ask questions about the company, make sure we ask as many questions as we need to gain further knowledge about the company, especially the employee benefits and facilities (including leave, pension plan and insurance), career path (how an employee’s performance is reviewed and how an employee’s career steps are structured), and remuneration structure (salary increase based on performance and/or inflation, and bonuses/overtime, if applicable), which, even though not the only concern, but most certainly the most important point that we need to be sure of when we are deciding whether we want to accept a job offer.
Do not worry about asking these questions, as long as you ask them in a proper polite manner. Reputable companies expect their prospective employees to be aware and critical about these employment issues. If the interviewer looks disturbed with your questions, you should consider it as a warning of a less ideal culture or environment within the company.
Third, once you have decided to accept the job, read the contract very carefully. Make sure that you understand each term and clause written in the contract and agree to all of them. Remember!! If the contract has really tedious details or you have difficulties to understand it because it is a long working contract, you can always ask the company for their permission to take the contract home within a day or two, before you sign it. Just be smart!! If you really feel uncomfortable, you should discuss a different term with the employer before you sign the contract. For terms and clauses regarding your rights and responsibilities as an employee, you always have the right to consult the Department of Labour for clarification.
Last but not least, once you have been working for some time, and you find yourself in a situation where your remuneration/benefit package is not suitable for your level or responsibility anymore or you see an opportunity for a promotion or a better remuneration/benefit package, you should discuss this with your employer. Do not ever leave your mind unspoken. After all, you are working for an improvement.
Finally, have a pleasant day at work and success for your career!
By Aini
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