Dear Abby: I’m interviewing with a company and trying my best to do my due diligence – what can I do to make sure this is the right next step for me?!
Never take a job “just to take it”; take it because you feel it is the right fit (culturally, current responsibilities, and long-term growth) for you. I want the excitement for the new opportunity to outweigh any anxiousness from starting a new position. Here are a few tips to make the best choice for your career!
Understand the Company Culture
Get a good read on the culture. Try and speak with more than one person if you can. I always like to ask why the interviewer enjoys working there and really listen to what they say—any red flags? Do they have passion behind what they’re saying?
If you’re doing an in-person interview, pay attention to the employees as you’re walking through the office. Are they happy overall, enjoying each other and enjoying being there, or are they looking at you with pleading eyes that seem to be saying, “Get out while you still can!!”
Define Your Top Priorities
Take some time before applying or interviewing for positions and really hone in on the top 3 most important things you’re looking for in a new opportunity: commute, hybrid, management, having a good mentor, being a good mentor, working under a CPA, culture, work/life balance, industry, gaining certain experience, etc.
Only you know what you want in your next position. Define those and be intentional in your job search to find the position that hits those main drivers.

Use the Back Door Approach
Dial in on where you realistically want to be in the next 5-10 years. What does that look like? Back into where you are currently and what you are interviewing for. Does this new opportunity put you on the right path to get you where you want to go?
Ask Questions and Voice Concerns
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or express your concerns (tactfully) during the interview process. If a company has poor reviews, ask them about it. Give them the chance to speak to those.
If someone said something during an interview that didn’t resonate, ask them about it and get further clarity. Remember—you are interviewing them as much as they are you. Both parties (companies and candidates) want to find a good fit. It’s better to either flush this out or get reaffirmed during the interview process than to find out 3 weeks in that it’s not a good fit.
Trust Your Instincts
If something isn’t sitting right, there’s probably a reason. If you’re trying to convince yourself that it’s the right position, then it’s probably not.
“I mean, I can do the work… the position is fine… the people are nice…”—you aren’t excited about it. Wait and find something that aligns with your long-term goals! You want to feel so excited and confident that this is the right next step for you.
Partner with Prospex Recruiting Today!
There will always be some variability in a new position, but do what you can to feel as confident in the transition as possible. Grab a time with anyone at Prospex Recruiting to talk about your interviews and long-term goals more in-depth!
Reach out to us today or visit our website at https://www.hireprospex.com/ to explore our services and learn how we can help you.