Looking for a new job? You’ll probably be really pleased when you get offered one. But HOLD ON! Don’t accept it straightaway! Is the job really as good as you hope it is?

Once you have been offered a job, it is your responsibility as a candidate to conduct thorough due diligence – research – on an organisation. I coach a lot of job hunters looking for new, better jobs, so here are my top tips on making sure it’s the right job for you:

1. Remember that interviewers tend to paint positive pictures
Interviewers don’t always tell the whole, unvarnished truth when they’re trying to bring on board the best person for the job. Usually subconsciously but occasionally deliberately, interviewers may paint a picture of the role and the organisation that can be a lot more positive and enticing than the reality.

If an interviewer has decided that you are the right person for the job, they want to win you over! They may talk more about the upsides than the downsides – unless you take control and ask the right questions.

2. Set up a meeting with your would-be line manager
Even if you have been interviewed for several hours and on more than one occasion, do it again. The dynamic between interviewer and candidate is different from the one between boss and direct report. You should try to have an exhaustive discussion about expectations.

Get your prospective line manager to talk about people in the team who really shone – what did they do that made them so good? And what about people who disappointed or failed in the team – what exactly did they do or not do that led to their downfall? Only then can you decide whether you fit the bill.

3. Ask to meet with members of the team that you would be joining
The organisation may be reluctant to do so and give various reasons – perhaps telling you that there are organisational issues that may colour their perspective. But you must insist. I made the mistake many years ago of letting a prospective employer wheel out the members of the team that they could trust to paint a positive picture of life with the company. The reality turned out to be quite different. I really should have insisted – so learn from my mistake!

4. Ask to meet some of your colleagues away from the workplace
People are generally more relaxed away from their places of work. Take someone out for lunch and they may be more candid about their true frustrations about the organisation. Buy them a beer and they may thank you by voicing some concerns you hadn’t come across.

5. Think about it properly
Yes, you may have money concerns. You don’t want to be out of a job. But do find the time to reflect on whether you think this job might be right for you or not. Sit down and write a summary of what you see as the pros and cons.

Don’t take anything for granted. When considering whether to join a new organisation, you are the only person who can decide whether the fit is right. And if you’re still not convinced, go back and ask more questions. Because you want to make sure that this will be a good career move, right?

job hunting top tips