1. Job Role & Responsibilities
Clarity matters. The role should be clearly defined — what you’ll be doing daily, who you report to, and what success looks like.
If a job advert or interview is vague, that’s a red flag. You may end up doing tasks outside your role without recognition or pay.
Look at whether the responsibilities match your skills and career plans. For example, if you want to be a specialist (e.g., finance or HR), don’t accept a role that makes you a “jack of all trades” with no direction.
💰 2. Salary & Benefits
Do market research. Check average salaries for your role in the industry and location. (Websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, Jobberman, or LinkedIn can help.)
Understand the entire package — not just the take-home pay. Ask:
Does it include health insurance?
Pension or retirement contribution?
Housing, transport, or meal allowance?
Relocation or accommodation support?
Bonuses or profit-sharing?
Be cautious of employers who promise “exposure” instead of fair pay. Exposure doesn’t pay bills.
🛠 3. Career Growth Opportunities
Promotions & growth: Does the company have a clear promotion structure? Or do people stay stuck in one role for years?
Learning opportunities: Are there trainings, certifications, or courses the company sponsors? This can be worth a lot.
Mentorship: Will you have access to leaders or senior professionals who guide you?
Jobs with no growth path can leave you stagnant — you might earn today but struggle in the future.
🏢 4. Company Reputation & Stability
Research the company:
Is it financially stable, or is it known for sudden shutdowns?
Are salaries paid on time? (Delayed salaries = a sign of instability.)
Check staff reviews on platforms like Glassdoor or ask insiders if possible.
Beware of companies with very high staff turnover — it usually means bad management or toxic culture.
Ask yourself: “If this company is on my CV in 3 years, will it add value or raise questions?”
⏰ 5. Work-Life Balance
Know the working hours: Some jobs expect 7am–9pm daily without overtime pay.
Ask about flexibility: remote or hybrid work, flexible start times, or compressed weeks.
Check the leave policy (annual leave, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave).
Burnout jobs may pay more in the short term, but they cost your health in the long run.
👨🏽💼 6. Management & Work Culture
Leadership style: Is management supportive or micromanaging? Do they trust staff or control every detail?
Values: Does the company respect diversity, fairness, and employee wellbeing?
Communication: Is feedback encouraged, or do employees fear speaking up?
Red flag: If many ex-employees describe the place as “toxic” or “draining,” run.
A healthy culture is more valuable than just high pay.
📍 7. Location & Commute
A good salary can be eaten up by transport costs and long commutes. Calculate how much time and money you’ll spend daily.
For relocations, check if the company provides a relocation allowance or housing support.
Location also affects safety, accessibility, and family life. A closer or hybrid role may improve your quality of life.
📜 8. Contract Terms
Read the fine print before signing:
Probation period: How long, and what are the terms?
Overtime policy: Will you be paid, or is it “expected”?
Non-compete clauses: Will the contract block you from working in your industry if you leave?
Termination notice: Is it fair both ways (employer and employee)?
If possible, have a trusted lawyer or HR professional glance over your contract before committing.
