In my previous blog, I outlined the key elements of a fulfilling job and happy work environment. If these conditions do not exist for you, it may be time to think about finding a new employer. The objectives of this blog are to outline the critical items to look for as you conduct your job search.

1. How is the company performing financially?

The last thing you want to do is join an organization that closes its doors in six months time. For public companies, the task of finding out how the company is performing is relatively easy. It is obliged to publish its financial results on an ongoing basis. Determining the profitability of a private company is more difficult. You can certainly ask the question during the interview process and do some due diligence. If possible, speak to folks who recently left their organization.

2. What happened to the previous incumbent?

Some companies go through their V.P.s of Sales or Operations on an ongoing basis. Rather than being a statistic, you need to find out why. Are the job expectations unrealistic? Does the President or owner have trouble delegating authority? Why did the previous incumbent leave the organization? If possible, speak to the incumbent and find out his version of the facts.

3. What are the Performance Metrics and Targets?

How will my performance be measured? What is the current baseline and what are the targets? What is the timeline to achieve these objectives?

4. What is the quality of the current team that I will be inheriting?

How many people are on the team? What have they achieved over the past year, past three years? What are their skill levels? How many years of experience do they have?

5. Will I have the freedom to make whatever Personnel changes are required?

Are there any sacred cows? Will the son of the owner be working for me? How was each member of the future staff evaluated in the most recent performance review?

6. How would you describe the culture of the company?

This is a critical question? You need to carefully reflect on the words you hear. Do you hear words like “collaborative”, “team-oriented”, “happy”, “motivated” or do you hear a lot of “I”, “I”, “I” and “me”, “me”, “me”?

7. How does your future boss describe his boss?

Does it sound like they work well together or do they just tolerate each other? Does your future boss appear to be happy with the organization or does he/she appear to be anxious and frustrated?

8. What resources will I have to do my job?

Does the company have programs to develop their staff? Do the sales reps receive ongoing sales training? Are there any processes in place to train people on best practices? Are any funds budgeted for employee development?

9. How would you describe my potential career path with your company?

If I perform well in this job, where can I expect to be in 3-5 years?

10. Please outline the key components of my compensation package?

What is the base salary and how are salary increases determined? How is the Incentive Program structured and what levels of performance have to be achieved to be paid an incentive. Is there a cap on the incentive program? What is it?

11. How frequently are the performance reviews conducted?

What is the performance review process in this company? Is it in writing? Who else has input into my performance appraisal? Is my salary increase tied directly to my performance review?

Clearly, some of these questions are difficult to answer, That is the precise reason why they need to be asked and answered. If you cannot obtain clear, direct answers to these questions, is this a company that you really want to work for? Based on what you have been told, do you feel comfortable putting your future and your family’s future in the hands of this organization? If the answer is yes, then “best wishes and much success.” If not, keep looking. For a peak at some of the jobs currently available in the transportation industry, go to the "Careers" section of my company’s website or click on www.dantranscon.com/careers.