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Working World
Before you
accept a job offer You got the job! Congratulations. It is normal to feel a bit overwhelmed looking at a job offer, and you might be inclined to just be grateful and accept it. Don't do it – not before you understand all the information you have been provided with (and the information that might have been left out). Before you sign, ask questions. And if you are promised anything, get it in writing. By Careers Service team
Are there promotion opportunities?
What are your growth needs?
Will you have family benefits?
The best company to work for is one that cares about developing and empowering its employees. Check that the job you are being offered has clearly defined goals in place, and whether your growth could lead to being promoted. You want to know that your growth and the work you put into the role will lead to a promotion to a more senior position.
Figure out if the company's growth opportunities align with your needs. If you would like to pursue another degree in the near future, is this something the company could accommodate while you are working for them? If you are interested in leadership, do they provide training on this? If you would like a mentor, could they assign somebody to you?
Having a family is probably the last thing on your mind right now, but if you think you will have a child ten years from now, this is something to consider from the beginning. Ask if the employer offers paid maternity and paternity leave (or partiallypaid parental leave). If you are not going to receive a salary during parental leave, you will have to claim the amount from the national UIF, and it will likely only cover a percentage of your usual salary.
ASK: "What happened to the person in the role before me? Did they move to a bigger role or to a bigger company?"
ASK: "What growth opportunities do you offer?"
ASK: "Do you offer paid parental leave?" and "How many days of parental leave do you offer?"
YO U R CA R E E R G U I D E 2022 | 45
