Welcome to episode 16 of the Nerd Journey Podcast [@NerdJourney]! We’re John White (@vJourneyman) and Nick Korte (@NetworkNerd_), two VMware Solution Engineers who are hoping to bring you the IT career advice that we wish we’d been given earlier in our careers. In today’s episode, we have Part 1 of a two-part discussion on when to stop pursuing a career opportunity.
Original recording date: 2018-11-03
Topic – Reasons not to Pursue a Career Opportunity (Pre-Application Stage), Part 1 of 2
We’re highlighting some content from a Manager Tools 10-part podcast series on choosing a company to work for
3:29 Choosing A Company To Work For – Chapter 1 – Factors To Consider Part 1
CompensationDig into the entire compensation package (or as much as you can in this stage)Consider the risks of combination stock / cashUse tools like Glassdoor to helpDifficult to rule something out without looking at the numbersPeople make assumptions on how much of a pay bump would merit leavingValuesDeeper dive laterIndustry StabilityWe lack a crystal ball and can rely on educational guessesReputationThe company’s reputation affects your reputation, whether good or bad, so consider industry perception.Validation by a well-known organization can be a “short cut” to be validated by other organizationsThe “shine” and the “stink” can go with you to a new jobOpportunitiesDeeper dive laterLocationsReview Tom Delicati’s strategy for choosing company location from Nerd Journey 013: The Sniper Approach to Job Hunting with Tom DelicatiNick and John talk through strategies for analyzing commute times and weighing the costIf you’re relocating for a job, is there financial assistance?FinancialsThis can easily be an area of oversight for many candidatesFinancials for public companies published quarterlyLearn to read a 10-KCustomer BaseIs the customer base growing / shrinking?Additional ItemsSome research before applying is helpful, but don’t go overboard.Check the job postings on the company siteJohn gives an example of tracking changes in number of open positions at a company to get an idea of corporate healthJohn mentions his list of open VMware positions: http://bit.ly/vmware-all-positions22:18 Choosing A Company To Work For – Chapter 3 – Values
Choose your ValuesDo you know what your values are? Introspection is required before continuing.Decide which ones apply to workCompanies publish their values onlineUse those when considering companiesA value mismatch can rule out an opportunity on the spotIs the company acting in line with its stated values?27:13 Company Culture is Complimentary to Values
Choosing A Company To Work For – Chapter 7 – QuestionsJohn speaks to how this episode came to beConsider Maslow’s Hierarchy of NeedsPhysiological -> Safety -> Love/belonging -> Esteem -> Self-actualizationAfter achieving economic breathing room, one can start to consider higher-order concernsSelf-examination is requiredWho am I and what does my job reflect about me?How does this position mesh with my values?How does this position fit with my future plans?Questions from Manager ToolsIs there anything else that’s important to me?John wanted to work with smart people who disagreed with him and who were smart in different ways from himWhat have I liked/disliked about jobs in the past?Nick talks about choosing his own adventureFlexible schedule / start timeWhat conditions bring out the best in me?Nick shares the lunch time hack for productivityWhat experience/relationships do I want to cultivate?John speaks to the variety of roles available and the desire to work with people in these rolesNick cites being part of a large team as a great learning experienceSee also Nerd Journey 004: Company Culture and Resume Writing. Did we say similar things in this episode? Tweet at us!37:41 Choosing A Company To Work For – Chapter 6 – Opportunities (Part 1)
Seemed to be focused on relationship of company to the marketplaceCommon IndicatorsCash/debt ratiosPlace Of The Product In The Market PlaceConsider longevityCompany ReportsMultiple sources of info on health of the companyPerksLook for more Subtle IndicatorsInstitutionalized developmentSee also Nerd Journey 012: Effective 1-on-1 Meetings with your Manager and Gracefully Leaving an OrganziationNext week we can discuss how to inquire about thisRegular Advancement of Good PeopleWhat would employees say about this?Do interviewers give the same response?Steady, Successful Growth
