Starting a new job is almost always a challenging experience. A proper decision can be significantly rewarding, while a wrong decision may be fatal for your future career. Therefore, it is essential to think critically before making a final decision. If you are considering hopping on a new job, this is for you.

What will you learn?

Each job comes with a new learning opportunity. New responsibilities enable you to learn skills tailored for those specific duties, and a new workplace requires you to learn to adjust to the workplace norm. Some jobs help you improve a particular technical skill, some help improves interpersonal skills, while others allow you to develop people skills. You should prioritise the learning opportunity that interests you and aligns with your future career plans. "In different stages of job life, your key considerations of joining may vary. But the core objective is to catch the growth trajectory and shape the learning curve," says Zafir Shafiee, entrepreneur and Director at a leading IT company. "There is no end to learning new skills and getting better. However, your long-term vision should be clear, and future planning needs to be in place before joining anywhere," he adds.

Does it offer enough financial stability?

A job without financial stability will restrict your learning in that position. A financial concern will remain at the back of your head and will trickle down as stress blocks your workflow. Furthermore, if your employer is paying you less than your deserved salary, you will constantly feel that the remuneration is unfair. A job that pays well will allow you to be more content and productive with both work and life. If you cannot find a job that offers total financial stability, you may prioritise the position that provides the most security among all your options. 

Is the experience worth it?

Every job is a new experience. Job experiences are always subjective and vary among individuals. Enjoying the workplace or getting along with your employer are key factors contributing to the overall professional experience. You may also consider whether the job presents enough challenges to stimulate you. Furthermore, it is essential to note whether the depth of the experience adds to your professional profile. If the position does not elevate your profile, you may not put it on your priority list in case you have better alternatives available.

Are there opportunities to develop your skills?

In most instances, the more challenging a workplace is, the more you can develop your skills there. Demanding tasks require you to keep composure, stay patient and strategically deal with the work while learning to do it yourself. Moreover, it allows you to explore and enhance your interpersonal skills. If your workplace has a training program modality that will enable you to learn from experts, that is also helpful since you will learn directly from their experiences. On the other hand, if the position does not offer scopes to enhance your skills, you may not prioritise the job because it will not make you a more competent individual. "Always keep a positive mindset at all stages of your career," says Kazi Md. Asif, co-founder and CEO of a reputed marketing agency. "Before stepping into a job, you should critically think if you will enhance your skills from the position," he adds.

Are there any scopes for networking?

Networking in a professional career is one of the most crucial tools. Networking allows you to foster a relationship that enables long-term mutual benefits. Whether through collaboration on a work project or calling in favour in a time of need, networking is required in every step. Networking also opens up new opportunities for you if you put in the effort to create a positive impression and be noticeable. You may prioritise a workplace that will allow you to network more to make your professional life easier, boost your confidence and open new doors. According to Md. Asif, the scope of networking with a long-term vision should be a key factor of consideration before starting a job. At all levels of your career, networking will enable you to enhance communication with your colleagues, and superiors, he says.