Evaluating an opportunity
There are some basic questions you should ask yourself before accepting a role
Once you start the interview process, the process is just beginning.
- See tactics on how the interview process works.
- Learn how to ask the right questions about a company.
- Understand how to negotiate compensation like a pro.
Here are some great questions to ask yourself when evaluating a role:
- How many dealbreakers do you have? We suggest a maximum of 2 “dealbreakers.” Know what’s REALLY important to you and focus on that. Be ok with the fact that not everything has to be perfect.
- How is the company’s top-of-funnel? You can fix problems later in pipeline but if the lead flow isn’t there, it is hard. Do not take a role where the company does not have product market fit. If you are not starting a company yourself it is not worth banging your head against a wall at that stage.
- Is the company in the "breakout phase"? Joining a company too early or too late can stall your career.
- How does the person you are working for fit with your style? You can write and share your user manual as a great litmus test. Do they read it and understand it? Do they have one of their own? The key is to learn if they are a good communicator and if you have the potential to work well together.
- Is the product loved? If users love the product everything else is easier.
- Is the CEO a good leader / the type you want to work for? Many companies succeed or struggle based on their leadership.
- Are you running towards the company or away? It’s important to listen to your gut. If you are feeling uncomfortable in any way, try to determine if you are worried about the new role or if it is just the discomfort of the search process.
- Does the company culture / leadership fit your style? Use Whispered's Company Insights to get the inside knowledge on culture, trajectory, leadership and more.
- How important is compensation for you? Whispered doesn’t typically help people evaluate compensation for specific roles, but we have developed strategies on how to negotiate - and what you can negotiate for.
Finally, here is a great resource on evaluating your next opportunity
Do you know how to pick the right company and role?
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