Are you getting what was promised?



Obviously, you’re going to check to make sure the job you applied for is the same job in the contract. If it’s not, you already know you’re in trouble. You also need to beware of a better job or a more senior role offered in the paperwork you’ve been supplied.



Is the package fair?



You need to take a hard look at yourself and consider whether your education, skills and experience add up to the offer being made to you. Research what other people are getting for the same sort of roles in reputable companies. It’s easy to get swept up in a “too good to be true” mood but remember it’s just that – Too Good To Be True!



Is the location right for you and your family?



A lot of the job scams are promising overseas work. You have to know most expat assignments are awarded to senior people with valuable skills. It’s unlikely a semi-skilled or unskilled worker will get the opportunity for a lucrative expat package. While this may be stating the obvious, if the new job is in Nigeria, you’d better run the other way.



Do you like the people in the company?



No one conducts legitimate hiring campaigns completely online. At some point in the hiring process, you will meet people from human resources and your future manager. You may get to meet future co-workers or at least get a chance to observe a work site. If you have never laid eyes on anyone in the company prior to signing a contract, you should be very concerned.



Do you know the specific roles and responsibilities for your new job?



Generalisations and vagaries surrounding your tasks and the company expectations of your work are a big warning sign. You should have a comprehensive job description to review as this will be the yardstick your new company uses to complete performance appraisals. It’s also going to help you determine whether your compensation is fair.



What comes next?



You should know prior to signing an employment contract what your prospects are for advancement. Ask for an organisational chart so you can see what chances there are for promotion, how many levels of management are around and where you fit into the organisation.



How does it compare to the job you currently have?



If you’ve been trying to break into mining job, you might be willing to do any job. Make sure you’re going for a legitimate job and you’re going for the right reasons.