One of the defining actions in your professional life is evaluating whether to accept a job offer or not. All of us want to seize an enriching opportunity from employers that match our strengths and goals. We prepare to invest our time and best efforts in it. Hence, it pays off to take time for analysis before you accept a job offer. Among many factors, one that is always determinant – and sometimes can turn into a deal breaker, is – ‘How is your new manager like?’.

Your direct manager has a great deal of impact on your work life. A study states that the supervisor’s own work management skills also influences employees’ work and personal life balance. A great leader can make a tough job rewarding, but a bad leader can make even a dream job taxing. It’s helpful to take one extra step and research about your potential manager alongside other aspects of the new job.

Here are 5 effective steps to help you know about your manager-to-be before you say a final ‘Yes’.

1. Set right expectations from the initial stage before you accept a job offer

In most interviews, it’s highly likely that you meet your future manager. Do not hesitate. Clarify your doubts and ask all the necessary questions concerning work culture and the team. Interview is an excellent takeaway when treated as a two-way dialogue. You can modestly ask them how they plan the team dynamics along with their ideas to strengthen it, with the changes happening in the team and the organization.

Communication is the key to clarity. Let them know that you believe in transparency and asking questions rather than making assumptions. If your manager is not in the panel, don’t take a back seat or wait until you will have to accept a job offer. Ask the same set of questions about your new boss to the interviewer.

2. Ask about their team strategies and action plan for you

Interactions with your prospective supervisor tells you whether you should dive deep or not. While being careful not to be too exploitative in communication, pose questions to your potential future manager about their decision making practices and how you fit into the picture. A modest leader will speak about the dysfunctions they have faced in the team and their plan to overcome them. You can expect them to share how they strategize the team goals to achieve the organization’s vision.

How will this help you? It will provide an image of your involvement in the team; what plans have they set-up for you and the group. You can use your judgment and gut feeling to understand this discussion – whether it was a pure self-praise or an honest one.

3. Read email communications from your manager carefully

The tone of an email is of utmost importance as it speaks a hint of personality and leadership qualities. Utilize this resource to apprehend the tone of your boss before you have to decide to accept a job offer or not. Here are a few hints:

• “Send your CV without a delay”, “I need your documents over by the said time” – The person is straightforward and doesn’t like to wait.
• “It would be wonderful if you can send me your portfolio” , “I’ll have a look in your portfolio and revert ” – This indicates an easy-going vibe.
• “I will write back with my feedback” following a delay of many days – The person might not be on top of things. This can also mean that they are occupied with trivial issues.
• A quick response with comprehensive feedback in the e-mail – They are keen observers and like to share details.
• Cluttered and randomly fashioned mails – They are not peculiar about formats and order.

However, make sure not to read too much on your managers’ email. Use this method instead to envision the compatibility and characteristics you two might share. Managers are efficient at saving time and effort. Therefore, some mails can very well be canned responses.

4. Connect with manager’s mutual friends, teammates or acquaintances

If you are looking for a new job, you might be aware of professional networks like LinkedIn. It’s a one-stop for searching all the mutual connections between you and your new manager. People who have worked with them in the previous or current job might share some interesting insights. They can also refer some other people who know your prospective boss. Here are few questions you may get answers to:

• How was their experience – personal and formal
• What challenges did they faced while working
• How well does the person coordinate their team and regard their opinion

Do not try to be malicious and pass any futile comments resulting in information abuse. Happy and positive enquiry is always a treat.

5. Look out for their written or visual content on internet

Internet is a vast platform to search for interviews, conferences or articles published by your budding boss. It can be a YouTube video, public speech, technical write-up or a personal blog. Use correct keywords for searching for their content to ensure that you are not missing vital data.

Social content -personal or professional is a reflection of a person’s thoughts and ideologies. You can, hence, infer a lot of realistic aspects about them and take a grounded decision before you accept a job offer.

Commitment to a new job should always be well researched. A good rapport with your immediate manager is a healthy way to start the new job and also a promoting factor to your growth in the company.

Being self-aware is essential in this quest. It allows you to understand other people, how they perceive you, your attitude and responses to them.  With this, you can discover your strengths and the way they will gel with your future manager’s attributes.

In the words of John Maxwell, an American author and speaker on leadership – “Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.” While this is a good thing to look out for in your manager, it’s important to implement it within oneself as you move ahead in your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About 5 Things Consider New Manager

What should I check before accepting a job offer?

Even though most of us are excited about new job offers, there are some things you should consider before accepting the offer. First of all, spending time on job interviews that aren’t in line with your expectations wouldn’t be beneficial for your career.

Therefore, you should set the right expectations and make sure that it’s something you’re looking for, you can handle the tasks, and the environment is acceptable for you.

Keep in mind that sometimes the job might seem completely consistent with your needs, skills, or experience, but that’s not everything. You should know that the company has a good reputation and is reliable enough.

That’s why you should find as much information about the company as possible before you accept the offer. Besides, don’t forget to make sure that the company offers an acceptable salary and that the work culture is suitable for your values and personality.

What are the most important criteria for accepting the job offer?

Here are 5 most significant things you should keep in mind before accepting the job offer:

Environment – Every workplace has its own special environment. Is the company culture consistent with your values? Do you have a positive first impression of your future co-workers? The workplace environment is the first thing you should assess because it’s going to become part of your routine.

Salary – One of the most important factors in deciding whether or not to accept a job is the salary. Is it suitable for the responsibilities you’ll have? Compare the offered payment range with your previous salary and consider your skills and responsibilities to assess the salary.

Benefits – Having a great benefits package is a great advantage for the company. If the company offers great insurance, health-saving account contributions, or other perks, it means that they care about their employees.

Stability – HAs the company been operating steadily throughout the years? Check its history, see what people think, and make decisions afterward.

Growth opportunities – Getting a job might be your priority right now, but you must also assess the job from a long-term perspective. Remember that if they don’t offer growth opportunities, you might quickly feel stuck in your job and lose motivation.

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